How to Grow Lovage

Planting and care

Site lovage where its large size is welcome. It performs best in moist, fertile soil but tolerates most soils and some shade.

1. 1Sow or divide — Start seed 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost about 1/4 inch deep, or divide established clumps in spring or fall.
2. 2Keep moist — Maintain evenly moist soil and mulch with compost in spring.
3. 3Prune for fresh leaves — Cut back through the season to encourage tender new foliage; remove old foliage in late fall.

Harvesting

Pick young leaves for salads or cook them like a green in soups and stews. Seeds are used in breads and savory dishes, and the roots are edible too.

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.

• NC State Extension — Levisticum officinale (Lovage) — Lovage is a carrot-family perennial for moist well-drained fertile soil in full sun to part shade; edible leaves, seeds, roots.
• Illinois Extension — Lovage — Lovage is a large hardy perennial herb with celery-like flavor, grown from seed or division and harvested for young leaves.

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