LOVAGE, organic seeds
Levisticum officinale
Lovage is a hardy perennial herb. Grows up to 6 feet height. Large leaves and slightly greenish yellow flowers. Can be used in cooking. Similar to parsley.Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Southern Europe. Known for its strong celery-like aroma and taste, all parts of the plant – leaves, stems, seeds, and roots – are edible and useful. It is a tall, vigorous plant that can reach heights of up to 2 meters and is commonly grown in herb gardens.
Lovage thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers deep, nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil. It can be sown directly in early spring or started indoors in March–April. Young plants need regular watering, but mature plants are relatively low-maintenance. It is winter hardy and can grow in the same spot for many years.
The leaves are used in soups, broths, stews, and seasoning mixes. The seeds can be used as a spice (e.g., in bread), and the roots can substitute for celery root. In folk medicine, lovage has been used to support digestion, promote urination, and as a spring tonic for detoxification. Its strong scent may deter pests, and it also attracts beneficial insects like bees.
Leaves can be used in salads, soups, to make broths. Roots can be eaten as a vegetable. Its flavor and smell can be described as a mix of celery and parsley but with a higher intensity of both of those flavors. Survives winter even in very cold climates. Tender young growth has the best flavour.
Panting conditions: Full sun in cool climates, partial shade where summers are very hot.
Grow aside with potatoes, peppers and beans. Needs eich soil that retains moisture.
Spacing: 1 plant needs 60x60cm
Start seeds indoors and set out at about the time of your last frost. Lovage will reach its mature size in about three years.
Sowing time:
Start indoors in March–April or direct sow outdoors in May. Germination is slow (2–4 weeks), so patience is required.
Sowing depth:
0.5–1 cm. Cover lightly with soil.
Temperature:
Optimal germination temperature is 15–20 °C.
Spacing:
Allow 50–70 cm between plants, as mature lovage grows large.
Site:
Full sun to partial shade; prefers deep, fertile, and moisture-retentive soil. A deep root system develops, so avoid shallow or rocky soils.
Care:
Water young plants regularly. Mature plants tolerate drought but perform best in evenly moist soil. It’s recommended to divide and replant every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Overwintering:
Fully hardy. Cut back stems in autumn.
Packet 20 seeds
