Lovage

A practical vegetable garden series

 

Grow a generous clump of lovage, the perennial herb with a rich, celery-like flavour for soups and savoury dishes.

 

Written for home gardeners in Hungary

CHAPTER WELCOME

Your lovage season starts here

This book follows the whole journey: seed → seedling → garden → care → harvest → kitchen → next season.

Lovage is a hardy perennial herb with large, divided leaves and a strong celery-like aroma. It returns each spring, grows into a substantial clump and sends up tall flower stalks in summer. The young leaves are the most useful harvest: chop a little into soups, stews, potatoes or eggs for a deep savoury flavour. Lovage is sometimes called maggi herb or mountain celery, and in Hungarian it is lestyán.

Near Győr, sow lovage indoors in February or March, or outdoors in April or May. Plant seedlings out in late spring once they are sturdy and the soil is workable. Choose its permanent place carefully: a mature clump can reach 1.5–2 metres tall and about a metre wide. Lovage is winter-hardy, but it appreciates moist, fertile soil and afternoon shade during hot, dry Hungarian summers. Pick lightly in the first year, then harvest leaves through spring and summer.

Our Hungarian calendar

 

 

The rule for this series: dates guide us, but the plant and the weather make the final decision.

CHAPTER 1

Meet the Lovage

Lovage forms a leafy perennial clump and can send flower stalks up to two metres tall.

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a long-lived herb in the carrot family, related to celery and parsley. Its large, glossy, divided leaves smell strongly of celery, with a hint of parsley and anise. The plant dies back in autumn and returns from its roots in spring. Once established, it can grow 1.5–2 metres tall and spread nearly a metre, so give it a permanent place with room to grow. Leaves, young stems and seeds are used in cooking; the flavour is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Lovage or celery?

 

Two celery-scented plants with different habits

·  Lovage: a large perennial herb that returns from its roots each spring.

·  Celery: a vegetable usually grown for its crisp leaf stalks.

·  Strong aroma: lovage leaves taste like concentrated celery.

·  A long-lived clump: allow plenty of room around the plant.

·  Edible parts: leaves, young stems and seeds can flavour dishes.

·  Easy to maintain: established plants need little care beyond water in dry spells.

 

CHAPTER 2

Choose Your Lovage

Choose a permanent spot for this generous perennial and decide how you will use its strong flavour.

Ask yourself five questions

1.         Do I have room for a plant that can grow tall and wide?

2.         Can I choose a moist place with some shade in hot weather?

3.         Will I leave this perennial in the same spot for several years?

4.         Can I use a small amount of a strongly flavoured herb?

5.         Will I let the plant establish before taking many leaves?

A beginner-friendly first planting

 

 

 

CHAPTER 3

Let’s Sow

Lovage can be grown from seed or bought as a young plant. It is a perennial, so you only need one or two plants, and they need enough space to become a large clump. Sow seeds indoors in late winter or spring, or start them in a nursery row outdoors in spring. Choose the permanent position before planting: lovage dislikes being moved once its deep roots are established.

When to sow in Hungary

Sow seeds about 0.5 cm deep in pots or a seed tray in February or March, keeping compost lightly moist and bright. Seeds may take 10–14 days to germinate. You can also sow outdoors in April or May when the soil is workable. Near Győr, plant seedlings out in late spring after they have several true leaves and are growing strongly. Allow 60–90 cm between plants; mature lovage may spread wider. A little afternoon shade helps in hot gardens.

What you need

·  Lovage seeds or one young plant

·  A permanent bed with room for a large clump

·  Deep, fertile soil enriched with mature compost

·  A watering can and a sturdy plant label

·  A large, heavy pot if you are growing it in a container

Sowing, step by step

1.         Choose the permanent site and remove nearby weeds.

2.         Sow seeds about 0.5 cm deep in pots or a prepared nursery row.

3.         Cover lightly, water gently and label the sowing date.

4.         Keep the compost or soil lightly moist while seeds germinate.

5.         Transplant a sturdy seedling carefully, without disturbing its roots.

 

 

CHAPTER 4

Seedling School

Lovage seedlings grow slowly at first; give them light, moisture and time to establish.

Recognise young lovage

The first leaves are small, followed by divided true leaves that hint at the mature plant. Keep seedlings in good light and water when the surface of the compost begins to dry. Once they have several true leaves and a strong root system, harden them off gradually and plant them in their permanent position. Lovage develops a deep root, so avoid repeatedly moving or disturbing an established plant.

Why has my lovage disappeared in autumn?

Lovage is a herbaceous perennial: its leafy growth naturally dies back in autumn after flowering and seed set. The plant is still alive below ground and should return when spring warmth arrives. Mark its position so you do not dig into the crown over winter. A young seedling may take a little longer to become vigorous, so keep the area weed-free and wait for new growth.

Water while they settle

Water after sowing and keep young plants evenly moist while they establish. Lovage likes soil that stays moist but is not waterlogged. Water newly planted seedlings during dry spells, especially in their first summer. Mature plants tolerate some dryness, but hot, exposed beds and containers need more frequent checks. Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil.

Feeding

Lovage grows well in deep, fertile soil. Mix mature compost into the planting area before sowing or planting, then add a light compost mulch around the established clump each spring. It usually needs little additional feeding. Avoid overfeeding: strong, soft growth is not needed for a productive herb.

 

 

CHAPTER 5

Ready for the Real World

Plant lovage outdoors in late spring, once seedlings are sturdy and the site is ready for a permanent clump.

Before planting: check the plants and the bed

1.         Choose a sturdy seedling with several divided true leaves.

2.         Harden indoor-grown plants off gradually for about a week.

3.         Prepare deep, fertile soil that stays moist but drains well.

4.         Choose a position with morning sun or light shade in summer.

5.         Leave space for a clump up to a metre wide and two metres tall.

When is it ready in Hungary?

Near Győr, plant lovage seedlings outside in May or early June once frost risk has eased and the soil is workable. Established plants are hardy and return each spring. A little fleece can protect newly planted seedlings if a late frost is forecast. In hot lowland gardens, afternoon shade and a mulch help the plant through summer heat; cooler parts of Hungary can grow it in a sunnier position.

Spring warmth and summer heat vary across Hungary. In cooler or exposed gardens, give new seedlings shelter while they settle; in warmer lowland gardens, protect the soil from drying out. Lovage is a long-lived perennial, so prioritise a good permanent position rather than trying to squeeze it into a short crop rotation. Follow the seed packet for variety-specific instructions.

 

 

CHAPTER 6

Give Them a Good Home

Moist, fertile soil and room to spread make lovage an easy perennial to keep.

The right place

Choose a permanent spot in full sun or partial shade, with light afternoon shade in hot gardens. Lovage prefers deep, fertile soil that holds moisture but drains freely. Add mature compost before planting and keep weeds down while the plant is young. Leave generous space: mature clumps can grow close to two metres tall and about a metre wide. The tall summer flowers also attract pollinating insects.

Spacing

Allow at least 60–90 cm between young plants, and more if you have the room. Lovage forms a broad clump and may shade smaller herbs around it, so place it at the back of a bed or along a sunny boundary. If you grow it in a pot, use one heavy container at least 40 cm wide and deep with good drainage, and grow lovage on its own.

Planting day

1.         Water the seedling and prepare the permanent growing spot.

2.         Dig a hole a little wider than the root ball.

3.         Set the plant at the same depth it grew in its pot.

4.         Backfill with compost-enriched soil, firm gently and water well.

5.         Add a label and mulch lightly around the plant.

Growing in pots

Lovage can grow in a large, heavy container with drainage, but its deep roots and tall flower stems make a small pot unsuitable. Choose a stable pot at least 40 cm wide and deep, use a soil-based potting mix and grow one plant on its own. Place it where it gets sun or light shade, and water regularly; containers dry faster than garden beds.

 

CHAPTER 7

Water, Feed & Keep Them Growing

A little compost and regular water in hot spells are usually enough for established lovage.

Watering

Water newly planted lovage regularly through its first growing season. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, especially in a sunny position or a container. Lovage prefers moist soil, not standing water. Water near the base of the plant in the morning or evening and check pots more often during hot Hungarian weather.

Mulch

Spread a layer of mature compost around the clump each spring. This gently feeds the plant and helps conserve moisture. Keep mulch clear of the central crown so new growth can emerge freely. A light mulch also helps reduce weeds around young plants.

Feeding

Lovage is vigorous once established and usually needs little extra feeding. Compost added at planting and a fresh compost mulch each spring are enough for most garden soils. If the plant is growing poorly, check moisture and soil quality before adding more fertiliser. Avoid repeated strong feeds.

Keep plants healthy

Check young leaves for slugs and snails, and remove any leaves damaged by leaf-mining insects. Keep the base weed-free and water during dry spells. If you want a longer leaf harvest, cut flower stems as they begin to form; if you want seeds, leave some umbels to mature. Cut old stems down after autumn dieback or just before spring growth returns.

 

CHAPTER 8

Leaves, Stems & “What Is That?”

Lovage has deeply divided, celery-scented leaves and tall summer flower umbels.

Why do my lovage leaves taste bitter?

Leaves often become stronger and bitter once the plant begins to flower, especially in hot, dry weather. Harvest young leaves in spring and early summer, and keep the soil moist during dry spells. If you want to extend the leafy harvest, cut some flower stems as they appear. Leave other stems to flower if you would like to enjoy the pollinators or collect seed.

The beginner’s trouble guide

 

 

 

CHAPTER 9

Can I Pick It Yet?

Yes—pick young leaves from an established plant in spring and summer, a little at a time.

What “ready” looks like

Pick a few healthy, tender leaves once the plant is growing strongly. A newly bought young plant can usually be lightly harvested in its first summer; seed-grown lovage is best allowed to establish before you take much. Pick in spring and early summer before flowering for the sweetest flavour. If the flower stalks appear, remove some to prolong leaf production, or leave them for seeds and pollinators.

Harvest from spring into summer

 

How often should I check?

Check the plant regularly while it is actively growing. Snip a few outer leaves or small stalks as needed, leaving plenty of foliage so the clump can keep feeding its roots. Lovage is strongly flavoured, so even a small handful can season a whole pot of soup. Pause leaf picking when flowering begins unless you have removed the flower stalks.

 

 

CHAPTER 10

From the Garden to the Kitchen

Lovage tastes like a concentrated, sweet celery, so start with a small amount.

The first rule: use a light hand

Rinse the leaves and pat them dry. Chop just a little into soups, stews, sauces, potatoes or egg dishes—the flavour is powerful and can quickly dominate a recipe. Tender leaves can also be added to salads. Young stalks can be sliced and cooked like celery, while ripe seeds add a warm, celery-like note to bread or savoury baking. Add lovage early in cooking for a mellow flavour, or near the end for a fresher aroma.

Match lovage to the dish

·  Soup: add a small chopped leaf while it simmers.

·  Potatoes: stir finely chopped leaves into warm potatoes.

·  Eggs: add a pinch to omelettes or savoury bakes.

·  Seeds: crush a few ripe seeds into bread or crackers.

 

Storing fresh lovage

Use fresh leaves soon after picking for their fullest aroma. Wrap unwashed leaves loosely in a damp paper towel and keep them in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also freeze chopped leaves in small portions for soups and stews. Drying works too, but the flavour becomes concentrated, so use dried lovage sparingly.

When you have more than you can use

Lovage produces a generous flush of leaves in spring and early summer. Pick only what you need and freeze the extra chopped leaves in small portions, or dry them in a cool, airy place away from direct sunlight. Let some flowerheads mature if you want seeds for sowing or seasoning. The plant returns next year, so one established clump can provide plenty.

CHAPTER 11

Next Season Starts Now

A few notes about planting space, leaf harvest and summer watering will help you plan next year’s lovage.

Keep a tiny garden record

·  Seed source or where the young plant came from

·  Sowing or planting date and when new growth appeared

·  How much room the clump needed as it matured

·  How shade and watering affected summer leaves

·  When the first leaves were ready to pick

·  How much lovage flavour suited your cooking

·  Whether you removed flower stems or saved seed

Saving seed and planning another crop

Lovage is a hardy perennial that can be grown from fresh seed or divided in spring. Seeds ripen in late summer or autumn; collect them when the flowerheads are dry and sow them soon, as fresh seed germinates best. The clump may also produce self-sown seedlings nearby. If you want another plant, move a seedling or divide a large clump in spring. One established plant is usually enough for a home kitchen.

1.         Choose a healthy, mature clump with the flavour you enjoy.

2.         Leave a few flowerheads to form seed after flowering.

3.         Collect dry seeds in late summer or autumn.

4.         Sow fresh seed or divide a large clump in spring.

5.         Label the plant and give new divisions room to grow.

 

 

COME GROW WITH ME

LOVAGE CHEAT SHEET

The page to come back to when you have soil on your hands and no time to reread the whole book.

 

 

 

COME GROW WITH ME • LOVAGE

Seasonal guidance is adapted for Hungarian home gardens.