Growing Lovage: Cultivating the Versatile Garden Herb

Growing Lovage: The Underrated Herb with Celery Swagger

I first encountered lovage (Levisticum officinale) in a tiny herb garden behind a rustic farmhouse in Provence. The gardener, an eccentric Frenchman named Henri, insisted I taste a leaf straight from the plant.

One bite, and I was hooked.

This herb flaunts bold celery-like flavor, rich aroma, and deep green leaves that tower audaciously up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. It's playful, versatile, and criminally underrepresented in home gardens.

Why Lovage Belongs in Your Garden

Lovage offers gardeners bold flavor without fuss. Easy-going yet striking, it's hardy from zones 4 through 8 (-30°F to 20°F / -34°C to -7°C).

Impressively productive, a single plant serves multiple culinary roles—stems like celery, leaves for seasoning, roots for stocks and soups, and seeds as aromatic spice.

"Lovage transforms ordinary stocks and stews into dishes of aromatic brilliance, adding depth no ordinary celery could dream to match."

Ideal Soil and Sun Conditions

Lovage thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, enriched with compost. Partial shade is preferable, especially in warmer climates, though it tolerates full sun in cooler regions.

I learned early on (thank you, Henri!) that consistent moisture allows lovage to grow impressively robust and flavorful.

Planting and Growing Tips

Starting lovage from seed needs patience, taking two to three weeks for germination. Sow seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your last frost, or directly into the garden in early spring.

For best results, space plants about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) apart—they grow vigorously once established.

• Water regularly: Keep evenly moist, especially in hot, dry periods.
• Mulch generously: This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
• Divide plants periodically: After 3-4 years, division rejuvenates plants and encourages lush growth.

Harvesting and Culinary Magic

Snip leaves and stems freely throughout the growing season, but harvest roots and seeds in the fall. Leaves dry beautifully, retaining flavor remarkably well.

My favorite use? Tossing fresh chopped lovage over buttered baby potatoes—pure bliss.

Common Lovage Challenges

Lovage occasionally attracts aphids, but nothing a gentle blast of water or insecticidal soap can't handle. Watch for fungal leaf spots in humid climates—simply remove affected foliage promptly to keep plants healthy.

Lean into lovage's easygoing nature, and it rewards you generously.

Lovage Companions and Garden Design

Plant lovage near tomatoes and peppers, as its presence reportedly improves their flavor and growth. The herb's lofty height also makes it a powerful backdrop for shorter herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme.

In my garden, lovage stands regal yet approachable, a graceful host welcoming pollinators by the dozen.

Growing lovage isn’t complicated, but the rewards are big. Give it a sunlit spot, rich soil, and steady moisture, and this perennial powerhouse will thrive year after year. Its bold flavor plays well in soups, salads, and stocks, while its leaves, stems, and seeds each bring something unique to the table. You’ll find lovage is a loyal addition—low-maintenance, productive, and always ready to give your cooking an herbal punch. For those who crave innovation, you might even try aeroponics for a soilless twist on cultivating this classic herb. At the end of the day, growing lovage means having a reliable, flavorful partner just a few steps from your kitchen. Plant it once, enjoy it for seasons.