Seeds Lovage - Levisticum officinale

Lovage – Levisticum officinale

A strong, aromatic, and productive perennial plant, perfect for flavouring soups and stews year after year without reseeding!

Introductory summary

Lovage is a hardy perennial grown for its powerful aromatic foliage, tasting similar to celery but stronger. It fits perfectly in herb gardens and aromatic borders. Very easy to grow, it returns every year without effort and produces abundantly throughout the growing season.

Origins and botanical family

• Origin: Southern Europe and Western Asia
• Botanical family: Apiaceae (Umbellifers)
• Used since antiquity as a medicinal and culinary plant across Europe, often regarded as magical or protective.

Botanical description and features

• Mature height: 1.5 to 2 metres
• Habit: upright, bushy, with large flowering umbels
• Leaves: dark green, glossy, deeply divided, very aromatic
• Flowers: yellow umbels, nectar-rich, in summer
• Particularity: whole plant edible (leaves, seeds, roots)

Sowing and cultivation

• Sowing period: March to May (indoors or outdoors)
• Germination temperature: 16 to 20 °C
• Germination time: 15 to 21 days
• Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 50 cm between plants
• Soil type: rich, humus-rich, moist but well-drained; neutral to slightly alkaline pH
• Exposure: partial shade or gentle sun
• Thinning: at 3-4 leaves stage, keep strongest seedling
• Water need: moderate to high, prefers moist soil

Care and maintenance

• Mulching recommended to retain soil moisture
• Cutting flower stalks encourages leaf growth
• Dividing every 3-4 years to rejuvenate the plant
• Few diseases, very hardy (-20 °C)

Harvest

• Leaf harvest: May to October
• Best time: young leaves in the morning before flowering for optimal aroma
• Yield: 1 to 2 kg fresh leaves per plant per season
• Storage: drying, freezing, or fresh in water

Garden uses

• Plant in a perennial herb garden, herb bed, or hedge
• Excellent companion plant: attracts beneficial insects, repels pests
• Suitable for large pots on shaded balconies

Culinary uses

• Flavour: strong, between celery and bouillon cube
• Ideal for flavouring broths, soups, stews, sauces, and stuffings
• Seeds are used as spice; roots and stems can be candied or grated

Ecology and special features

• Nectar plant: attracts bees and hoverflies
• Long lifespan (up to 10 years)
• Suitable for permaculture and wet garden areas

Lovage is a reliable plant for lovers of rustic flavours and self-sufficient gardens. Productive, strong, and useful, it quickly becomes indispensable.