Lovage

Lovage — variety description

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb of the Carrot family (Apiaceae). The leaves and stem of lovage give an intense celery flavour to soups, stews and pork and poultry dishes.

It can also be used to improve the flavour of potato dishes.

The plants should be in moist soil and in constant sun.

Lovage has tonic, restorative, diuretic, mildly analgesic, choleretic and laxative effects.

Extracts and decoctions of the roots stimulate the appetite, relieve intestinal colic and ease stomach bloating.

Lovage (lovage) has a strong celery aroma and is a “magic” seasoning for soups and broths. Perennial — one plant is enough for a family.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 75%
• Seeds per packet: 66–90 pcs (0.3 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March – May and September – November; transplants or direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: May – October
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Lovage

Lovage seeds are sown in March – May and September – November. The plants flower from June to September. Harvest in May – October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Lovage

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Lovage grows on any soil and can be grown in one place for 3-4 years. The plants do not tolerate shade, nor soil and atmospheric drought. The seeds are sown in spring or early autumn and may germinate slowly. Pot the seedlings on individually when large enough, and plant them in their permanent positions in early summer. About 14 days are needed for germination. Water regularly, but take care not to overwater. The plant is cold-hardy, overwinters well, and grows in areas that provide light, moisture and soil fertility; development takes place over a two-year cycle. In the first year a strong rosette of leaves and a rhizome are formed, in the second year a flowering stem and seeds. A lack of moisture leads to stunted growth and lower yield and quality.

Plant in rich, moist soil; the plant grows up to 2 m.

Harvest and use

Pick the leaves throughout the season.

Frequently asked questions

When should Lovage be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are March – May and September – November. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 66–90 seeds, pack size 0.3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 75%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.