Levisticum officinale (Lovage)

Levisticum officinale (Lovage) is a large, celery-scented perennial with deeply divided, dark green leaves that resemble parsley or celery leaves. In late spring to early summer, greenish-yellow flower clusters are borne atop hollow stems. They attract beneficial wasps, along with tomato hornworms. The blossoms are followed by aromatic seeds that are valued for their celery flavors. Lovage is used as an ornamental, a culinary herb, and as an edible plant. With a taste similar to celery, the leaves can be added to salad, the stems to soup, and the seeds to bread.  Lovage will die down every winter and spring up again the following year. Give it space in the garden!

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Lovage will self-seed if seeds are not harvested or removed.
• Performs best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates part shade but prefers full sun.
• Lovage can be planted in spring or sown in late summer and early fall for sprouting the following spring.
• No serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leaf-mining flies. Lovage is deer resistant.
• Lovage improves the flavor and vigor of most plants and offers a good habitat for ground beetles.
• Lovage can replace salt in many dishes and reduce the amount needed in others. Those on a salt-free diet can flavor their food deliciously by using Lovage.
• Lovage is a good companion plant for Asparagus, Beets, Brassicas, Corn, Cucumbers, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Squash, Tomatoes, Zucchinis. Do not plant near Celery or Rhubarb.
• Cut back in the fall.
• Propagate by seed or division in spring.
• Native to the Eastern Mediterranean region.