Robust perennial herb with bold, celery-like flavour
Lovage Seeds introduce a hardy perennial herb from the Apiaceae family that thrives as a long-lived feature in the herb garden. Grown from Levisticum officinale, this vigorous umbellifer forms a substantial herbaceous clump with aromatic leaves and hollow stems delivering a pronounced, celery‑like flavour. As a culinary herb and kitchen garden staple, it offers flexible use across seasons: tender foliage for salad seasoning, leafy stems and stalks for broths and soups, and mature seeds for warming, savory notes. Beyond the kitchen, its upright habit and fresh, green architecture lend structure to borders, combining practical harvests with an attractive, low‑effort presence.
Through the growing season, clusters of yellow umbel flowers rise above the foliage, creating a prolonged flowering display that supports biodiversity. These nectar‑rich umbels are valued by beneficial insects and are notably pollinator friendly, enhancing companion planting schemes around vegetables and other herbs. Suited to full sun to partial shade, plantings from Lovage Seeds reward with reliable, vigorous growth in a range of garden settings. As a cold‑tolerant, hardy perennial, common lovage offers durability and a steady harvest of edible stems and leaves, making it a dependable choice for gardeners seeking both ornamental impact and culinary versatility.
Sowing is straightforward: start indoors in late winter to early spring for earlier growth, then transplant after the last frost; direct sowing in spring is also effective, and in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. Once established, plants often show a light self‑seeding habit, renewing the clump over time without becoming unruly. Whether planned as a backdrop in borders or integrated among kitchen crops, Lovage Seeds support companion planting, attract beneficial insects, and provide a steady supply of aromatic material. With its robust, celery‑like character and dependable performance, Lovage Seeds remain a classic choice for gardeners who value both flavour and functional biodiversity.
Levisticum officinale
Below is a quick route through related herb seed groups, linking the parent category with nearby topics—from perennial and culinary selections to aromatic types. The range also covers drought-tolerant choices and familiar staples such as parsley, anise, and tarragon, plus tea and infusion mixes, helping gardeners narrow options by growth habit, flavor, or use.
Levisticum officinale
Lovage is a hardy perennial herb in the Apiaceae family that forms a vigorous, herbaceous clump with aromatic leaves and a distinct, celery-like flavor. Start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring and transplant after the last frost; direct sow in spring, and in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil enriched with organic matter. Space plants 60–90 cm to accommodate their stature, as mature clumps can reach 1.5–2 m with yellow umbel flowers that attract beneficial insects. Water to maintain even moisture without waterlogging, and mulch to conserve soil moisture and support this long-lived culinary herb in the kitchen garden.
- For reliable germination, use fresh seed; a brief cold stratification (2–4 weeks) can help. Sow shallowly (3–5 mm) and keep evenly moist at moderate temperatures.
- Feed by incorporating compost annually; avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent weak, lush growth.
- Stake tall stems in exposed sites; cut back after flowering to limit self-seeding, or leave some umbels for natural reseeding.
- Edible: Leaves and young stems are used sparingly for their strong, celery-like flavor in soups, broths, and salads.
- Ornamental: Tall, architectural foliage and yellow umbel blooms add structure and movement to mixed borders.
- Pollinator friendly: Umbels offer nectar and pollen to bees and other beneficial insects; avoid spraying during bloom.
How do I grow lovage from seed?
Sow lovage seeds indoors in late winter to early spring, or direct sow in spring once the soil is workable; in mild conditions, autumn sowing may be possible. Press seeds lightly into a fine seed mix and barely cover, keeping the surface evenly moist. A brief pre-chill (seed stratification) in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks can help more even germination, though it isn’t always essential. Expect sprouts in roughly 10–21 days at moderate warmth. Harden off carefully and transplant after the last frost. As this umbellifer in the Apiaceae family forms a substantial herbaceous clump, establish plants where they can expand with minimal disturbance.
Where should I plant lovage: sun or shade, and what soil is best?
Lovage grows best in full sun to partial shade; in hotter spells, light afternoon shade can reduce stress and keep leaves tender. Choose fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A deep, humus-rich bed supports the plant’s vigorous growth and long roots while avoiding waterlogging. Mulching helps conserve moisture through dry periods and moderates temperature swings. Avoid thin, drought-prone spots, as inconsistent moisture can check growth and reduce the aromatic intensity of this celery-like culinary herb.
What spacing do lovage plants need, and how tall do they grow?
Allow generous room: spacing of about 60–90 cm (24–36 in) suits most plantings, giving airflow and access for harvest. Mature clumps commonly reach 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) in height, especially when flowering, with a leafy base and tall flowering stems bearing yellow umbel flowers. Providing shelter from strong winds helps prevent stem breakage at full height. The ample spacing also makes it easier to manage feeding and watering and to keep the crown free of competing weeds.
Is lovage a perennial herb, and how do I overwinter it?
Lovage is a hardy perennial herb that dies back in cold weather and re-emerges in spring. After frost blackens the foliage, cut stems to ground level and apply a loose mulch to protect the crown from repeated freeze–thaw. Keep soil moist but not saturated during dormancy. In established clumps, dividing every few years can refresh growth. Plants may exhibit a light self-seeding habit; remove spent umbels if you wish to limit volunteers, or leave a few to naturalize in suitable settings.
How do you harvest lovage leaves and stems without harming the plant?
Begin light picking once plants are well established, taking no more than a third of the foliage at a time. Snip young, aromatic leaves for salads, broths, and soups, and cut tender stems before flowering for the cleanest celery-like flavor. Harvest in the morning when turgid for best texture. Regular, modest cutting encourages bushier growth; avoid stripping entire shoots from a single point to preserve the plant’s energy and ensure steady re-growth through the season.
Does lovage attract pollinators and beneficial insects?
Yes. When allowed to bloom, lovage produces flat clusters of yellow umbel flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators and beneficial insects such as hoverflies and small bees. This pollinator-friendly trait makes it a useful companion in an herb garden, supporting ecological balance while adding ornamental value. For a balance between leafy harvest and insect support, let a portion of stems flower later in the season while keeping earlier shoots for culinary use.
Seeds are sourced from vetted producers and packed in facilities following established quality and phytosanitary practices. Lots are batch-tracked and tested for purity and germination within stated tolerances. Guidance provided is general and may vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere; local regulations or requirements may also apply. Storage, sowing, and timing recommendations should be adapted to after the last frost or mild-winter conditions as appropriate. Product pages carry the specific instructions for each item.
Robust perennial herb with bold, celery-like flavour
Lovage Seeds yield a hardy, long-lived herb valued for its aromatic leaves, hollow stems, and umbels that attract beneficial insects. Sow after the last frost in prepared, well‑drained, moisture‑retentive soil, or start indoors 4–6 weeks earlier; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Cover seeds lightly (about 6–10 mm) and keep evenly moist; germination typically occurs within 10–21 days at cool to moderate temperatures. Grow in full sun to partial shade. Thin or transplant to 45–60 cm spacing, as mature plants can reach 1.5–2 m and appreciate staking in exposed sites. Feed with compost, mulch to conserve moisture, and avoid waterlogging. Harvest tender leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season; remove flower stalks to prolong leaf production, or allow umbels to mature if seed is desired for culinary use. In colder conditions, foliage will die back; protect the crown with mulch and divide congested clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Herbs Seeds
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