How to Care for Lovage

Lovage is a robust, long-lived perennial that forms a towering clump of glossy, celery-like leaves topped by airy umbels of yellow-green flowers. It is an easy, forgiving plant that returns bigger each year once established.

Light

Lovage grows best in full sun to part shade. In cooler climates give it as much sun as possible for the fullest, most upright growth. In hot-summer regions a spot with afternoon shade keeps the foliage lush and prevents the tall stems from scorching or wilting during heat spells.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist through the growing season. Lovage is a thirsty plant, and consistent moisture produces the largest, most tender leaves. Water deeply once or twice a week, more in hot or windy weather, and mulch around the crown to conserve moisture. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which causes stems to toughen and the plant to bolt early.

Soil & Potting

Provide a deep, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Lovage develops a substantial taproot, so loosen and amend the bed with compost before planting. A near-neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0) is ideal. In containers choose a pot at least 30 cm deep and wide to accommodate the root system, using a rich, moisture-retentive potting mix.

Humidity & Temperature

Lovage is very cold-hardy and tolerates hard frosts, dying back to the ground in winter and resprouting in spring. It prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can struggle in prolonged extreme heat. Average outdoor humidity suits it well; good air circulation helps keep the dense foliage healthy.

Feeding

Because it produces so much leafy growth, lovage appreciates rich soil. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure at planting, then top-dress with compost each spring. A balanced, nitrogen-leaning fertilizer early in the season supports vigorous foliage. Avoid over-feeding late in the year.

Propagation

Propagate lovage from seed or by division. Sow fresh seed in late summer or early autumn, or start indoors in early spring; seed germinates best when fresh. Established clumps can be divided in early spring, ensuring each division has a piece of crown and healthy roots. Divisions establish quickly in moist, fertile ground.

Repotting / Pruning

Cut plants back to encourage a flush of new foliage, and remove flower stalks if you want to keep the plant leafy and compact rather than letting it set seed and grow towards two metres. Divide container plants every couple of years when they outgrow their pots. Clear away dead stems in late autumn or early spring.

Common Problems & Pests

Lovage is generally trouble-free. Aphids may cluster on new shoots and flower stems; dislodge them with a strong jet of water. Leaf miners can tunnel through foliage, so remove and discard affected leaves. In wet, crowded conditions watch for leaf spot and powdery mildew, and improve spacing and air flow to prevent them. Slugs and snails may nibble young spring growth.

Seasonal Care Tips

In spring, top-dress with compost and thin or divide crowded clumps. Through summer keep the soil moist and cut back stems periodically for fresh growth. In autumn let the foliage die down naturally and apply a protective mulch over the crown in colder zones. The plant needs little winter attention and will re-emerge vigorously the following spring.