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When to plant Lovage in Worcester County, MA

In Worcester County, Lovage is a spring-only crop. Plant May 1–May 15 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Lovage in Worcester County, MA

Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.

Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 972 feet, Worcester County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Worcester County, MA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Worcester County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage

Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lovage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Worcester County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lovage Planting Timeline — Worcester County, MA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Sep 11

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Worcester County

Growing Tips for Worcester County

Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Worcester County, MA?

Worcester County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Worcester County, MA?

Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Lovage in Worcester County, MA?

In Worcester County, MA, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Worcester County, MA for Lovage?

Worcester County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lovage grow in Worcester County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Worcester County's temperate climate. Worcester County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Worcester County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Worcester County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Worcester County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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