LOVAGE

Organic Lovage

    50 Seeds Pack   

Lovage, scientifically known as Levisticum officinale, is the sole species in the genus Levisticum within the Apiaceae family. This versatile herb is entirely edible, including its roots, seeds, stalks, and leaves. Lovage is a large, leafy plant that can reach heights of up to 180 centimetres and a spread of 80 centimetres or more. Resembling parsley and celery, it features long, thin, hollow stalks and glossy, lacy, dark-green leaves. When mature, the plant produces yellow flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels. Its jagged-edged leaves have a fresh aroma and a bold flavour reminiscent of celery, but sweeter and more robust, with hints of anise, fennel, and a touch of citrus, much like parsley.

      PLANTING & GROWING

The aromatic herb can grow in plant containers in your balcony garden or inside near a sunny window.

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them.  

Lovage seeds can be sown in cell packs or flats from early spring, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 6mm (¼in) deep, and transplant them outdoors around the time of your final frost. Alternatively, seeds can be sown thinly in a well-prepared seedbed or directly where they will grow, in full sun or partial shade, 13mm (½in) deep in drills spaced 30cm (12in) apart. 

Lovage thrives in partial or filtered shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic compost and nutrients. The plant takes about three years to reach maturity, at which point it becomes a large herb, requiring a dedicated space of about 90cm (3ft) square.

As a vigorous and highly competitive plant, lovage consumes a significant amount of nutrients, which can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. It is not a good companion for other herbs or vegetables, so ensure plenty of space between it and other plants. Planting lovage in a pot is often a better choice to prevent it from overshadowing smaller, slower-growing herbs.

Avoid planting lovage near celery or rhubarb, as they do not thrive together.