How to Grow Lovage

Start Lovage seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Lovage typically matures in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Lovage should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Lovage requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

Space Lovage plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Lovage has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Lovage is rated easy. Let seed umbels dry on the plant. Harvest when seeds are brown and aromatic. Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1 week, thresh to separate seeds from stalks.

Properly dried and stored Lovage seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Lovage is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.