Lovage: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How to sow lovage successfully outdoors?
Sow lovage in spring in a lightly shaded position with soil that stays moist without becoming saturated. Choose somewhere the plant can remain for several years. One clump can provide plenty of leaves, so plan a few plants rather than a crowded row. Weed the surface and prepare a fine seedbed without deeply working wet ground.
Sow thinly and cover the seeds according to packet instructions. Water gently to settle them into contact with the soil, and mark the position. Maintain consistent moisture during germination, then watch young leaves, particularly for slugs and snails. Thin once seedlings are strong enough, initially leaving about 30 to 45 cm between them.
Allow more space for later development: mature lovage can reach nearly one metre across. If plants need moving, do so while they are young and keep their roots intact. Let seed-raised plants build their clump before harvesting leaves, generally from the second year onwards. Keep the first harvests light to protect their development. Establishment matters more than obtaining a large quantity of leaves immediately after the first shoots appear.
How to harvest lovage
