How to grow Lovage?
- Latin Family: Apiaceae
- Latin Genus: Levisticum
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Perennial
This uncommon perennial is loved for its delicious leaves and stems that are great in salads and offer flavor to soups. Its flavor is often compared to the related Celery, but is considered superior by many. The plants grow to be 5 or 6' tall. Lovage is commercially produced in Europe for it's essential oils. The roots also have medicinal properties. It is often planted as an ornamental.
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Lovage History
Lovage is native to the mountains surrounding the Mediterranean region and has a history of medicinal use throughout Europe and Asia Minor. It used to be known as "Sea Parsley" and is indeed a member of the Parsley family. Historically, it was an ingredient in love potion.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 5.0 - 7.8
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.0 - 7.0
Lovage does best in a rich moisture retentive soil that drains well.
How to care for Lovage?
Lovage is an easy plant to grow and requires little attention. If you make sure the soil is kept fairly moist, that should be enough.
Water
Keep soil fairly moist. A mulch will help to retain moisture.
Fertilizer
Lovage does best in fertile soil.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 2 - 3 years
Germination Percentage: 50.0
The perfect (having both male and female parts) flowers are pollinated by insects, but it is also self-fertile and produces seed easily. The seed will ripen on the umbel and you should wait until it turns brown and dries up. Gather the seeds before they fall to the ground.
Light
Part shade
Lovage prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Conditions:Cool, Warm
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
You can freeze the leaves. Place them in an ice cube tray and cover them with water. Use when needed.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Dry leaves and stems by hanging upside down in a warm place where they won't be exposed to much light. Once dry, store in opaque airtight containers. If the herbs are exposed to light they will turn yellow.
Roots can be dug in the fall on the plant's third year growth (and every year after) and dried. Cut roots into 1/4 to 3/4" pieces and dry on a flat screen in a warm, dark place.
Storage Req: Drying, Warm
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Problems
Leafminers
The biggest problem with growing Lovage is Leafminers.
Lovage Types
- Lovage
This uncommon perennial is loved for its delicious leaves and stems that are great in salads and offer flavor to soups. Its flavor is often compared to its relative Celery, but is considered superior by many. The plants grow to be 5 or 6' tall.
Pests
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
- Leafminers
- Slugs and snails
- Rabbits
- Gophers
- Deer
Diseases
- Rust
- Cercospora Leaf Spot
- Damping Off
