BACK Guides
Table of Contents
Lovage Planting Guide
When to Plant Lovage in Australia
What Is Lovage?
Growing Conditions
How to Plant Lovage
Ongoing Care & Maintenance
Common Pests & Growing Issues
Companion Planting
Harvesting Lovage
Traditional Medicinal Uses of Lovage
How to Use & Prepare Lovage
Culinary Uses of Lovage
Drying, Storing & Preserving
Is Lovage Right for Your Garden?

How to Grow Lovage

Botanical Name: Levisticum Officinale

Originating from southern Europe, lovage is a tall, aromatic herb with deep green, celery-like leaves and a rich, savoury aroma.

Long valued in traditional herbal and culinary use, it’s known for its warming flavour and versatility in both the garden and home remedies.

Do you want to learn how to grow lovage? If so, let’s dive in.

Lovage Planting Guide

Method
Seedlings or direct
Sowing Depth
6mm
Season
Warm
Germination
7-21 days @ 20-25°c
Hardiness & Life Cycle
Hardy Perennial
Row Spacing
45 - 90cm
Plant Spacing
100cm
Position
Full or Part Sun
Days Until Maturity
90 days

When to Plant Lovage in Australia

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cool
Mild
Sub-Tropical
Tropical
Arid

What Is Lovage?

Lovage is a tall, hardy perennial herb traditionally grown in Europe for both culinary and medicinal use. With its deep green, celery-like leaves and strong aromatic flavour, it has long been valued as a warming herb that supports digestion and general wellbeing.

Once established, lovage is a long-lived plant that returns year after year with minimal effort. For home gardeners, it offers a reliable supply of fresh leaves, seeds, and stems for the kitchen and home herbal preparations.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Requirements

Lovage grows best in full sun to part shade. In warmer regions, some afternoon shade can help prevent stress during hot weather.

Soil & Drainage

Rich, well-draining soil is essential. Lovage benefits from compost-rich beds and will struggle in poor or compacted soils.

Watering Needs

Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods. While mature plants are fairly resilient, consistent moisture helps promote lush leaf growth.

Temperature & Frost Tolerance

Lovage tolerates cool temperatures and light frosts. Growth may slow in winter but will return strongly in spring.

How to Plant Lovage

When to Plant in Australia

Lovage is best planted from spring through late summer, depending on your climate zone.

Sowing Seeds

Seeds can be sown directly into garden beds or started as seedlings. Sow seeds about 6 mm deep and keep the soil moist until germination.

Germination & Early Growth

Germination typically takes 7–21 days in warm conditions. Young seedlings grow steadily and benefit from protection from strong winds.

Transplanting & Spacing

Allow plenty of space when planting. Mature plants require around 1 metre between plants to accommodate their size.

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Watering Once Established

Water deeply during dry periods. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Feeding & Soil Health

Apply compost or organic fertiliser annually to support healthy growth. Lovage responds well to nutrient-rich soil.

Pruning & General Maintenance

Regular harvesting helps keep the plant tidy. Flower stems can be left to set seed or trimmed back to encourage leaf production.

Common Pests & Growing Issues

Common Pests

Lovage is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids. These can usually be managed with a strong spray of water.

Diseases & Fungal Issues

Poor airflow or overwatering may lead to fungal issues. Ensure good spacing and well-draining soil.

Environmental Problems

Heat stress can occur in very hot conditions if water is limited. Partial shade and consistent watering help prevent this.

Companion Planting

Good Companion Plants

Lovage grows well alongside herbs such as thyme, oregano, and parsley. It may also help attract beneficial insects.

Plants to Avoid

Avoid planting lovage too close to smaller herbs, as its size can easily overshadow neighbouring plants.

Harvesting Lovage

When to Harvest

Leaves can be harvested once the plant is well established. The best flavour is found in young leaves harvested before flowering.

How to Harvest Different Plant Parts

  • Leaves: Snip as needed throughout the growing season
  • Seeds: Harvest once flower heads dry
  • Stems: Cut fresh for use in stocks or broths

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Lovage

Lovage has a long history of use in European herbal medicine. Traditionally, the leaves and stems were used to support digestion, ease bloating, and stimulate appetite.

It has also been used as a gentle diuretic, supporting kidney and urinary tract health. These uses are based on traditional practice rather than modern medical claims.

How to Use & Prepare Lovage

Making Herbal Tea

Leaves and stems can be brewed into a warming herbal tea, traditionally used after meals to support digestion.

Tinctures & Extracts

Lovage is sometimes prepared as a tincture using fresh or dried plant material for longer-term storage.

Oils, Salves & External Uses

While less common, infused oils have traditionally been used in massage blends for warming applications.

Culinary Uses of Lovage

Fresh Uses

Lovage leaves can be used like celery leaves in salads, soups, and savoury dishes.

Cooking & Preserving

The strong flavour makes lovage ideal for broths, stocks, and slow-cooked meals. Leaves can be frozen or dried for later use.

Flavour Pairings

Lovage pairs well with root vegetables, legumes, potatoes, and hearty winter dishes.

Drying, Storing & Preserving

Drying Methods

Leaves and seeds can be air-dried in a warm, shaded location with good airflow.

Storage Tips & Shelf Life

Store dried plant material in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Properly stored, dried lovage keeps well for months.

Is Lovage Right for Your Garden?

Lovage is an excellent choice for gardeners wanting a low-maintenance perennial herb with both culinary and traditional medicinal value. If you have the space, it rewards you with years of reliable harvests and versatility in both the kitchen and home herb cupboard.

  • How to Grow Yarrow

    How to Grow Yarrow

    Botanical Name: Achillea Millefolium Native to Europe and parts of Asia, yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers.Traditionally valued for...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Yarrow

    Botanical Name: Achillea Millefolium Native to Europe and parts of Asia, yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers.Traditionally valued for...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Stinging Nettle

    How to Grow Stinging Nettle

    Botanical Name: Urtica Dioica. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, stinging nettle is a vigorous perennial herb with serrated green leaves covered in fine stinging hairs.Traditionally valued as a...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Stinging Nettle

    Botanical Name: Urtica Dioica. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, stinging nettle is a vigorous perennial herb with serrated green leaves covered in fine stinging hairs.Traditionally valued as a...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Valerian

    How to Grow Valerian

    Botanical Name: Valeriana Officinalis Native to Europe and parts of Asia, valerian is a tall perennial herb with soft green foliage and clusters of pale pink or white flowers.Traditionally valued...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Valerian

    Botanical Name: Valeriana Officinalis Native to Europe and parts of Asia, valerian is a tall perennial herb with soft green foliage and clusters of pale pink or white flowers.Traditionally valued...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Dandelion

    How to Grow Dandelion

    Botanical Name: Taraxacum. Native to Europe and western Asia, dandelion is a hardy perennial herb with deeply toothed green leaves and bright yellow flowers.Traditionally valued for both medicinal and culinary...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Dandelion

    Botanical Name: Taraxacum. Native to Europe and western Asia, dandelion is a hardy perennial herb with deeply toothed green leaves and bright yellow flowers.Traditionally valued for both medicinal and culinary...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Lemon Balm

    How to Grow Lemon Balm

    Botanical Name: Melissa Officinalis. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and a fresh, lemony aroma.Traditionally valued for its...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Lemon Balm

    Botanical Name: Melissa Officinalis. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and a fresh, lemony aroma.Traditionally valued for its...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Feverfew

    How to Grow Feverfew

    Botanical Name: Tanacetum Parthenium. Native to southern Europe, feverfew is a compact perennial herb with bright green foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres.Traditionally valued in herbal practice,...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Feverfew

    Botanical Name: Tanacetum Parthenium. Native to southern Europe, feverfew is a compact perennial herb with bright green foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres.Traditionally valued in herbal practice,...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Chamomile

    How to Grow Chamomile

    Botanical Name: Phaseolus Vulgaris. Native to Europe and western Asia, chamomile is a delicate herb with fine foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with golden centres.Traditionally valued for its calming...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Chamomile

    Botanical Name: Phaseolus Vulgaris. Native to Europe and western Asia, chamomile is a delicate herb with fine foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with golden centres.Traditionally valued for its calming...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Echinacea

    How to Grow Echinacea

    Botanical Name: Echinacea Purpurea. Native to North America, echinacea is a hardy perennial herb with upright stems and large, daisy-like purple flowers.Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it’s known for its...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Echinacea

    Botanical Name: Echinacea Purpurea. Native to North America, echinacea is a hardy perennial herb with upright stems and large, daisy-like purple flowers.Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it’s known for its...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Anise Hyssop

    How to Grow Anise Hyssop

    Botanical Name: Agastache Foeniculum. Native to North America, anise hyssop is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and tall spikes of purple flowers with a sweet, liquorice-like aroma.Traditionally...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Anise Hyssop

    Botanical Name: Agastache Foeniculum. Native to North America, anise hyssop is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and tall spikes of purple flowers with a sweet, liquorice-like aroma.Traditionally...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Lovage

    How to Grow Lovage

    Botanical Name: Levisticum Officinale Originating from southern Europe, lovage is a tall, aromatic herb with deep green, celery-like leaves and a rich, savoury aroma. Long valued in traditional herbal and...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Lovage

    Botanical Name: Levisticum Officinale Originating from southern Europe, lovage is a tall, aromatic herb with deep green, celery-like leaves and a rich, savoury aroma. Long valued in traditional herbal and...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Lavender

    How to Grow Lavender

    Botanical Name: Lavandula Stoechas Originating from the Mediterranean, lavender is a beloved aromatic herb with silvery-green foliage and soothing purple blooms. Celebrated for its calming scent and versatility, it’s perfect...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Lavender

    Botanical Name: Lavandula Stoechas Originating from the Mediterranean, lavender is a beloved aromatic herb with silvery-green foliage and soothing purple blooms. Celebrated for its calming scent and versatility, it’s perfect...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Dianthus

    How to Grow Dianthus

    Botanical Name: Dianthus Native to Europe and Asia, dianthus is a charming flowering plant admired for its frilled petals and spicy, clove-like fragrance. Blooming in shades of pink, red, and...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Dianthus

    Botanical Name: Dianthus Native to Europe and Asia, dianthus is a charming flowering plant admired for its frilled petals and spicy, clove-like fragrance. Blooming in shades of pink, red, and...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Zinnias

    How to Grow Zinnias

    Botanical Name: Zinnia Elegans Native to Mexico and Central America, zinnias are vibrant annual flowers that bloom in a dazzling array of colors. Loved for their long-lasting blossoms and easy...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Zinnias

    Botanical Name: Zinnia Elegans Native to Mexico and Central America, zinnias are vibrant annual flowers that bloom in a dazzling array of colors. Loved for their long-lasting blossoms and easy...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Calendula Seeds

    How to Grow Calendula Seeds

    Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis Originating from southern Europe, calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its golden-orange blooms and gentle healing properties. Often used in skincare and herbal remedies,...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Calendula Seeds

    Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis Originating from southern Europe, calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its golden-orange blooms and gentle healing properties. Often used in skincare and herbal remedies,...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Marigolds

    How to Grow Marigolds

    Botanical Name: Tagetes spp. Marigolds originate from Mexico and Central America and are loved for their bright, cheerful blooms and pest-repelling properties. These hardy annuals thrive in sunny conditions, making...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Marigolds

    Botanical Name: Tagetes spp. Marigolds originate from Mexico and Central America and are loved for their bright, cheerful blooms and pest-repelling properties. These hardy annuals thrive in sunny conditions, making...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Violas

    How to Grow Violas

    Botanical Name: Viola odorata Violas originate from Europe and are treasured for their small, vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance. These versatile flowers thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Violas

    Botanical Name: Viola odorata Violas originate from Europe and are treasured for their small, vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance. These versatile flowers thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for...

    Read More >