When to Plant Lovage in Oakland County, MI
Your May gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Oakland County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Plant out lovage
Your last frost (April 28) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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.
Oakland County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,286 feet, Oakland County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Oakland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Oakland County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Oakland County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Lovage will thrive.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Oakland County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Oakland County, MI
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Oakland County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Oakland County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 28 in Oakland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Oakland County, MI?
Oakland County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oakland County, MI?
Oakland County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Oakland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Oakland 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.