When to plant Lovage in Ray County, MO
Plant Lovage in Ray County during the brief April 22–May 6 window. With 193 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 25.
When to Plant Lovage in Ray 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.
Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 747 feet, Ray County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Ray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ray County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Ray County, MO
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
193 days in Ray County
Growing Tips for Ray 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 →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Ray County, MO?
Ray County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ray County, MO?
Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Lovage in Ray County, MO?
In Ray County, MO, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ray County, MO for Lovage?
Ray 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 Ray County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Ray County's temperate climate. Ray County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 25.
Your Ray County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ray 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.