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When to Plant Lovage in Alcona County, MI

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.

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Alcona County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Alcona County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
139 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Alcona County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.2

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 โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Alcona County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Alcona County, MI

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Oct 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

139 days in Alcona County

Growing Tips for Alcona 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 Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Alcona County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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