Lovage

Levisticum officinale

ModeratePerennial

Lovage is a hardy perennial herb with celery-flavored leaves, growing 4 to 6 feet tall. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost.

Quick facts

Germination time: 10–14 days
Germination temperature: Not yet verified
Sowing depth: 6 mm¼ in
Spacing between plants: 76 cm2½ ft
Days to maturity: Not yet verified
Sun: Full sun, partial shade

Toxic to cats and dogs Read the safety notes

Compare with another seed How to grow it

By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated Oct 19, 2026

Spotted a mistake or missing detail? Improve this page

01 · Overview

About lovage

Lovage is a perennial herb in the carrot family, native to the eastern Mediterranean. Its leaves taste like celery but are stronger and sweeter. The leaves, stems, roots and seeds are all edible.

This is a large, vigorous plant that typically grows 4 to 6 feet (122 to 183 cm) tall with a spread of about 3 feet (91 cm). Other references give a larger size, up to about 2.5 metres (250 cm) tall and 0.5 to 1 metre (50 to 100 cm) wide.

Growing details

Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost
Sow outdoors: Not yet verified
Water: Not yet verified
Containers: Not yet verified
Height: 1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft
Spread: 91 cm3 ft
Frost tolerance: Hardy
Soil pH: Not yet verified
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4–9

Sowing timeline

When to sow lovage seeds

Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.

Start indoors6–8 weeks before the last frost

Germination time: 10–14 days
Frost tolerance: Hardy

02 · How to grow

How to grow lovage from seed

Lovage can be sown in spring or fall, and one reference suggests late summer for seed. Seeds can also be sown directly outdoors in spring or early fall. To start indoors, sow seeds thickly about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep and begin them 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Seeds usually sprout in 10 to 14 days.

Lovage can also be started by division in spring. Plant it in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, deep, fertile soil, since light shade can improve the quality of the leaves. Space plants about 30 inches (76 cm) apart.

03 · Care

Caring for lovage

Prune the plant during the growing season, from late spring to early fall, to encourage fresh new leaves. Cut back the old foliage in autumn.

At a glance

How lovage compares with other herbs

Worked out from the growing facts of the 30 seeds in Herbs on SeedBattle.

Lovage
Each of the other herbs
Their average

See all herbs

Germination timeAbout average
10–14 days
Average for herbs: 12 days, from 20 other seeds
Sowing depthAbout average
6 mm¼ in
Average for herbs: 6 mm¼ in, from 16 other seeds
Spacing between plantsWider than average
76 cm2½ ft
Average for herbs: 31 cm12 in, from 13 other seeds
HeightTaller than average
1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft
Average for herbs: 66 cm2 ft, from 27 other seeds

04 · Problems

Common lovage problems

Plants may be attacked by tarnished plant bug, celery worm, leafminer, early blight, late blight and leaf spots. Another reference lists slugs, snails, celery leaf miner and celery leaf spot.

Lovage can escape cultivation and spread, and it is considered invasive in New England. To limit spread, harvest the seeds at regular intervals.

05 · Harvest

Harvesting lovage

Leaves and stems can be picked fresh whenever needed, and young leaves are more tender. Blanch the stem bases before eating them. Stems can also be candied or blanched and eaten as a vegetable. Seed heads can be picked when they start to turn brown.

06 · Storage

Storing lovage

Dry seed heads in paper bags, then rub the seeds clear of the stems and keep them in sealed containers. Leaves can be dried at any time for later use. Roots can be dug, washed and stored cool until needed.

07 · Safety

Lovage safety

Lovage is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, and also toxic to horses. The listed sign of poisoning is increased urination. If a pet may have eaten the plant, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.