What Is Lovage and Why Should You Grow It?

Lovage is a robust perennial herb that deserves a place in every garden. With its tall, celery-like stems and deeply divided green leaves, this plant is both striking and supremely useful. Whether you're a devoted cook or a casual gardener, lovage is an excellent choice for adding distinctive flavor and impressive height to your growing space.

Growing Lovage at Home

Lovage thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil. The plant is quite hardy and adapts well to most growing conditions. Start seeds indoors in early spring, or direct sow after the last frost. Space plants about 24 to 36 inches apart, as lovage grows tall and needs room to develop. Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist. Once established, lovage is remarkably low-maintenance and will return year after year.

One of the best things about lovage is its longevity. As a perennial, it comes back stronger each season, providing harvests for many years with minimal effort. The plant can reach 3 to 4 feet tall, making it an impressive backdrop in garden beds. In cooler climates, the foliage dies back in winter but returns reliably in spring.

Harvesting and Using Your Lovage

Begin harvesting outer stems once the plant is well-established, typically in its second year. Pinch off young leaves and tender stems regularly to encourage bushier growth. Lovage has a distinctive celery-like flavor with subtle peppery notes, making it perfect for soups, stews, salads, and savory dishes. Fresh leaves add depth to broths and stocks, while seeds can be used as a spice.

You can also dry lovage for winter use. Hang bundles of stems in a warm, dry location, then strip the dried leaves and store them in an airtight container. The dried herb retains its flavor beautifully for months.

Why Gardeners Love Lovage

Beyond its culinary appeal, lovage is a conversation starter in the garden with its impressive stature and lush foliage. The plant attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. Many gardeners appreciate its reliability and the satisfaction of harvesting from a perennial that improves with age. Plus, lovage's bold flavor and versatility in the kitchen make it an investment that pays dividends year after year.

In Summary

Levisticum officinale (Lovage) — a perennial herb prized for its glossy dark green leaves with a celery-like flavor. This versatile plant reaches 80 inches tall and matures in 85 days, making it an excellent addition to culinary and medicinal gardens. Lovage has long been valued for supporting digestive wellness, with traditional remedies using the seeds steeped in brandy to soothe an upset stomach. Fresh leaves enhance soups, stews, and salads, while the entire plant offers ornamental appeal and practical herb garden value.. Perennial.

Lovage offers multiple benefits for home gardeners and herb enthusiasts. Beyond its culinary appeal with a celery-like flavor perfect for soups and salads, this perennial herb has been traditionally used to support digestive health.

Did you know? The seeds can be steeped to create soothing remedies for digestive discomfort, while the nutrient-rich leaves add depth to everyday cooking. 

As a tall, ornamental perennial reaching 80 inches, lovage also enhances garden aesthetics while providing a reliable harvest year after year. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to both kitchen and medicinal herb gardens.

• Plant produces glossy dark green leaves that have a flavor similar to Celery.
  
• Known for the treatment of digestive problems.
• A teaspoon of Lovage seeds, steeped in Brandy, strained and sweetened with sugar is on old remedy for settling an upset stomach.
  
• Plant Height: 80" tall.
  
• Days to Maturity | 85 days