key growing information

Growing Lovage (L. officinale) From Seed

How to grow lovage from seed: starting transplants, direct sowing in spring or fall, thinning, light, soil and harvest.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Lovage - Key Growing Information

Lovage can be grown as an annual or a perennial, and can become quite large; the leaves impart a celery-like flavor to cuisine.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Usually 10–14 days.

SOWING:

Transplants are recommended: start 6–8 weeks ahead of the last spring frost, sowing thickly about ¼" deep in flats. Move seedlings into their own containers once they have 4 true leaves, and plant out in spring or early summer 18–24" apart in rows 3' apart.
To sow in place, plant in spring, or in early fall for spring germination, at 1–2 seeds per inch in rows 3' apart. Thin to 6" when seedlings are 3–4" tall. Lovage dies down over winter and returns fast in early spring, when you can thin again to 18–24".

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun is best, but lovage copes with partial shade.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Thrives in moist, rich soil but grows in most soils.

PLANT HEIGHT:

Grows about 48–78" tall.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 18–24" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Hardy in Zones 4–8.

HARVEST:

In year one, pick leaves once plants are established; from the second year, you can cut whole branches.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Levisticum officinale