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When to plant Lovage in Franklin County, MO

Plant Lovage in Franklin County, between April 17 and May 1 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (200 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Lovage in Franklin County, MO

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.

Franklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,180 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Franklin County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MO

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO?

Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, MO?

Franklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Lovage in Franklin County, MO?

In Franklin County, MO, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Franklin County, MO for Lovage?

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

Can Lovage grow in Franklin County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). 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 Franklin County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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