HerbsEasy CarePet Safe
Lovage
Levisticum officinale
Lovage is a tall, hardy perennial herb whose leaves and stems taste strongly of celery. A single plant provides plenty for soups, stocks and salads for many years.
Botanical FamilyApiaceae
Native RegionEastern Mediterranean
Growth RateFast
Mature Size1.5–2 m (5–6 ft) tall
Bloom PeriodSummer
Common NamesLove parsley, Sea parsley
Photo: 4028mdk09 · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Keep moist in dry spells.
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
-30–30 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Mulch with compost each spring.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by division, seed
Cut back flower stems for more leaves; cut to the ground in fall.
Lovage is safe in culinary amounts.
Top Cultivation Tips
Use a little; the flavour is strong.
Hollow stems make celery-flavoured straws for drinks.
Divide in spring every few years.
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8.
