How to Grow Lovage

Updated June 2026

A cool-season herb for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Lovage is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Lovage is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the lovage page for exact timing.

Varieties

Lovage, Celery-flavored perennial herb (nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 24 in between plants.
Sowing: barely cover the seed.
Water: roughly 1.3 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Leaf miner. In humid regions, Few can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Lovage is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant lovage where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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