Blog

When to Plant Lovage in Bathurst, NB

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.

Bathurst, New Brunswick is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 131 feet, Bathurst receives approximately 27.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly gray-brown podzol soil. Summer highs average 73ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Bathurst, NB (Zone 5a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Bathurst Soil Profile

Soil Type

Gray-Brown Podzol

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

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

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Bathurst, NB

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 20

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 โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
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

160 days in Bathurst

Growing Tips for Bathurst

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 Bathurst, NB?

Bathurst is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bathurst, NB?

Bathurst, New Brunswick is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bathurst 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 Bathurst, NB. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.