Lovage
Also known as
Garden lovage, Love-ache, Maggi plant
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, is a hardy, long-lived herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae family. It forms a clump of glossy, deeply divided, celery-like leaves emerging from a robust crown each spring, followed by hollow, ribbed stems that can reach 1.5–2 m tall. In early to midsummer, large umbels of yellow-green flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, maturing to aromatic seeds. All parts are edible: leaves and petioles impart a bold, savory, celery–parsley flavor; stems can be candied; roots and seeds are used as culinary and medicinal aromatics. Lovage thrives in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils and prefers cool to mild conditions. Once established, it is resilient, returning reliably after winter dormancy. Historically cultivated in monastic and cottage gardens across Europe, it remains valued for its productivity, pollinator support, and versatility in stocks, soups, and herb salts. Its imposing height makes a striking architectural backdrop in herb borders or kitchen gardens.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Lovage
Water
In the ground, keep soil evenly moist, supplying about 2.5–4 cm of water weekly from rain and irrigation, more during heat or in sandy soils. Water deeply at the base to encourage deep roots and minimize foliar disease. Mulch 5–7 cm to slow evaporation. In containers, water when the top 2–3 cm of mix dries, then soak until excess drains freely. Always ensure sharp drainage and empty saucers to prevent root rot.
Light
Provide full sun for best vigor and flavor in cool to temperate climates (6–8 hours of direct light). In hotter regions, offer morning sun with light afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and premature bolting. Indoors or on balconies, choose a bright south or west exposure or supplement with a grow light for 12–14 hours daily. Avoid deep shade, which leads to lanky, weak growth and reduced leaf production.
Nutrients
Lovage prefers nutrient-rich soils but excessive nitrogen can make growth overly lush and dilute flavor. Before planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure. Each spring, top-dress with 2–3 cm of compost and, if needed, apply a balanced organic fertilizer (around 4-4-4) at half rate. In containers, feed monthly at half strength during active growth. Side-dress midseason if leaves pale, and avoid high-salt, fast-release fertilizers that can stress roots in dry periods.
Temperature
Lovage excels in cool to mild weather (10–24°C) and is very cold-hardy once established, reliably perennial in USDA Zones 3–8. The crown dies back in winter and re-sprouts in spring; mulch in late autumn to buffer freeze–thaw. Prolonged heat above 30–32°C can reduce leaf quality and induce early flowering; provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture in hot climates. Container plants may need extra root insulation or shelter during severe freezes below −10°C.
