Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

A fantastic edible landscape plant. Seeds, leaves and young stalks are used like celery with a complex slightly bitter, but still satisfying, flavor. Roots are used as a milder version of Dong-qui.

Nutrients: quercetin and vitamin C.

How to Grow Lovage from Seed

Bed Preparation

Lovage is a perennial or tender perennial (Zones 5-8) that will grow in full sun or shade and requires well-drained soil.

Planting

For best germination, expose seed to cool, moist conditions (stratification) for 2-3 weeks before sowing. The refrigerator works well for stratification. Sow seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-80°F. Sow seeds 1” deep and 12” apart. Seeds will germinate in 14-21 days. Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Space mature plants 24-36" apart.

Harvest

Harvest leaves and stems any time during the growing season. Roots can be harvested in spring or fall. Seeds are ready for harvest in late summer/early fall.