Levisticum officinalis

Sowing and growing guidance

Sow Levisticum officinalis seeds indoors before the last frost, then transplant once frost danger has passed; or direct sow outdoors when soil is workable. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Choose a site in full sun to light shade with deep, fertile soil that holds moisture yet drains well. Prepare generously spaced planting areas and maintain good air flow, as plants become tall and architectural; stake in exposed sites. Keep evenly moist in dry spells, mulching to conserve moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Feed with compost or a balanced fertiliser at the start of the growing season, and remove spent flower stems to tidy. Follow packet spacing guidance and allow room for mature height.

• Often grown as a culinary herb; leaves and seeds are used for flavour.
• Tall, architectural foliage and umbels provide ornamental impact.
• Umbel flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
• Space generously for good air flow; follow packet guidance.
• Stake tall stems in windy sites.

How do I grow lovage from seed?

Sow Levisticum officinalis seeds thinly in a fine, moist seed mix and cover very lightly, as they need only shallow coverage to germinate. Keep evenly moist and cool; emergence can be slow. Transplant seedlings carefully into deep modules to accommodate the developing taproot and reduce disturbance, then harden off before planting outdoors. Choose a spot with deep, fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. Harvest leaves sparingly in the first season while plants establish, and remove competing weeds to maintain steady growth and airflow.

When should I sow lovage seeds?

Start indoors before the last frost and transplant once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, direct sow outdoors when the soil is workable and has begun to warm. In mild climates, autumn sowing is possible, allowing roots to establish before winter. Wherever you sow, maintain consistent moisture during germination and early growth, and avoid disturbing seedlings during cold snaps. A gradual transition to outdoor conditions helps reduce shock and supports strong establishment.

What are the best growing conditions for lovage?

Lovage thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers deep, fertile soil that holds moisture yet drains freely. Incorporate well-rotted organic matter to improve depth and structure, and mulch to conserve moisture during dry spells. Keep the root zone evenly moist without waterlogging to protect the crown. Because lovage grows tall, provide a position sheltered from strong winds or stake discreetly if needed. Good air circulation around plants supports healthy foliage and reduces stress in humid weather.

How tall does lovage grow and how should I space plants?

Lovage is a tall, architectural perennial that forms a substantial clump over time. Give each plant generous space so its stems and foliage can develop without crowding, and allow for good air movement between plants; follow seed packet guidance for exact spacing. Position lovage where its height will not overshadow smaller herbs or vegetables. As plants mature, remove congested stems or spent flower stalks to maintain shape and to keep pathways accessible.

Should I sow lovage indoors or direct sow outside?

Both methods work. Starting indoors provides an early start and better control over moisture and temperature, which is helpful in short growing seasons. Use deep cells or biodegradable pots to limit taproot disturbance. Direct sowing produces robust plants with minimal transplant shock, provided the bed is weed-free and the soil is workable and evenly moist. In either case, thin or transplant to allow ample space, and harden off indoor-raised seedlings before outdoor planting.

Is lovage good for pollinators, and will it self-seed?

Yes. When allowed to flower, lovage produces umbels that attract a wide range of beneficial insects, including pollinators. Leaving a few stems to bloom can enhance garden biodiversity. If flower heads are left to ripen, lovage may self-seed lightly; remove spent umbels before seed drop if you wish to limit volunteers. For overwintered clumps, cutting back dead stems after frost and mulching in exposed sites helps crowns re-sprout strongly after the last frost.

This site provides general growing guidance sourced from standard horticultural practice. Conditions vary with microclimate, soil type, drainage, and exposure, so timing and techniques may require adjustment. Product pages provide the most accurate instructions for each variety, including sowing depth, spacing, and timing after last frost or when soil is workable. Compliance and sourcing information are maintained at product level.

Sowing and Care Overview

Levisticum officinalis seeds favour cool germination conditions, around 10–18°C. Sow after the last frost or, in mild climates, consider late-summer sowing for autumn establishment. Indoors, start in late winter (Northern Hemisphere) / late summer (Southern Hemisphere), or sow outdoors when soil is workable. Cover lightly, about 3–5 mm, and keep evenly moist without waterlogging. Germination may be slow, often 14–28 days; a brief cold stratification of 2–4 weeks can improve results. Transplant once sturdy true leaves form, spacing 45–60 cm to accommodate the mature perennial habit. Provide deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Full sun suits cooler summers, while light afternoon shade helps in hotter periods. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures; in colder winters, mulch crowns after the ground cools. Support steady growth with balanced, moderate feeding, and remove early flower stems if vegetative development is preferred. Reference: SeedsChoice.