Lovage

Planting lovage

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in spring. Use fresh seed, since lovage seed loses viability fast.

Planting details

• Grows 4 to 6 feet tall; give it a back-of-border spot
• Spacing: 24 to 36 inches
• Hollow stems and seeds are edible too

Growing requirements

Lovage wants a permanent spot with deep, rich, moist soil and sun to part shade. Once established it returns bigger every spring and asks for almost nothing.

Harvesting and care

Cut young leaves for a strong celery note in soups and salads. Take outer stalks and let the crown keep growing; plants bloom and set useful seed in their second year.

Common mistakes

• Planting it in a small bed, since a mature plant takes real room
• Letting the soil dry out, which toughens the leaves
• Sowing old seed, which often germinates poorly

Companion plants

Plant lovage at the back of the garden with other tall perennials, where its size helps rather than shades out crops.