Description
Lovage is a hardy perennial herb with deep roots in monastery, medieval, and old kitchen gardens. Levisticum officinale rises early in spring with lush frilled leaves and tall hollow stems, offering a bold celery-like flavor with hints of anise and parsley for soups, stews, broths, spice seeds, and herbal bitters.
Why Grow It
- Hardy perennial herb for zones 4-9 with tall 4-6 ft garden presence.
- Leaves, stems, seeds, and roots all have traditional culinary or herbal uses.
- Flavor suggests celery with touches of anise and parsley, stronger and more complex than common celery leaf.
- Best in moist, rich, well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
- Germinates in 14-21 days, especially with cool soil temperatures and steady moisture.
Growing Information
| Botanical name | Levisticum officinale |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Hardy perennial herb |
| Mature height | 4-6 ft. |
| Light | Full sun to partial sun |
| Bloom or harvest window | Leaves in spring and summer; seeds mature in late summer |
| Seed count | 50 seeds |
| Flavor profile | Celery-like with hints of anise and parsley |
| Sowing advice | Sow in cool conditions in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Start indoors or outdoors when temperatures are mild; keep evenly moist and transplant before roots become crowded. |
| Spacing | 18-24 in. apart, or give a single plant room at the back of an herb bed or food forest edge |
| Germination | 14-21 days, best with cool soil temperatures and steady moisture |
Best For
- medieval kitchen gardens
- perennial herb beds
- food forest edges
- soups and stews
- herbal bitters and spice seed harvest
- pollinator-friendly herb borders
Packet Details
Includes 50 seeds. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark until sowing. Give established lovage plenty of room; one mature plant can perfume a garden and season many meals.
FAQ
What does lovage taste like?
Lovage has a bold celery-like flavor with hints of anise and parsley. A small amount can season soups, stews, broths, and savory dishes.
Is lovage perennial?
Yes. Lovage is a hardy perennial herb in zones 4-9 and can return for many years when given rich, moist, well-drained soil.
When should I harvest lovage?
Harvest young tender leaves for cooking through spring and summer. Seeds can be collected in late summer once mature and dry.
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