How to Grow Lovage

Updated June 2026

A cool-season herb for the home garden.

What it looks like as it grows

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

🌱 Plant profile: Lovage, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

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, space plants 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 also: Lovage in the plant library →

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