Lovage
Levisticum officinale
Lovage is part of the Levisticum genus. Its scientific name is Levisticum officinale. The botanical name epithet for Lovage (officinale) means 'used medicinally'.Lovage grows as a perennial and is a herb. Being a perennial plant, it tends to grow best over several years (approx 3 years and greater). Normally reaching to a mature height of 3.25 feet (1.00 metres). This plant tends to bloom in mid summer.
Italy is believed to be where Lovage originates from.
Lovage is normally fairly low maintenance and is normally quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.
This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Lovage have been kindly provided by our members.
How to grow Lovage
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Partial Sun
+ -
Medium
Lovage may be harvested after the first growing season. As with most culinary herbs, cut in the morning after the dew has dried. Do not wash the leaves or aromatic oils will be lost. Lovage is best used fresh but can be stored frozen in plastic bags or dried. To dry, tie the cuttings in small bunches and hang upside down in a well-ventilated, dark room.
A partial sun position will ensure your plant thrives and remember to water moderately. Zone 3 to 7 are typically the USDA Hardiness Zones that are appropriate for this plant (although this can vary based on your microclimate). Lovage tends to grow best in a soil ph of between 6.1 and 7.8 meaning it does best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil. Keep in mind when planting that Lovage is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.Growing Lovage from seed
Lovage grows well from seed. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out. Sow 1/4 inch deep. Seeds will germinate in 10-20 days. Transplant after the danger of frost has passed and apply organic fertilizers to promote strong, healthy growth.
Transplanting Lovage
Companion plants for Lovage
These plants have been known to grow well alongside Lovage so consider planting:
Repellent plants for Lovage
These plants will not grow well with Lovage so avoid planting these within close proximity:
Common Lovage problems
These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Lovage plants:
Lovage Etymology
In many European languages the word for lovage derives from Latin ligusticus (meaning “of Liguria”, as the herb used to grow heartily in the Liguria region of northwest Italy), through its alteration levisticum In English the word became love parsley, and mistakenly, due to the name, lovage was often used in over-the-counter love tonics.
Lovage Folklore & Trivia
Lovage may be useful for relieving abdominal pains due to gastrointestinal gas. It is also said to reduce flatulence when consumed as a tea.
wear some lovage to assure your sweetheart’s undying devotion1
Grind one handful of lavage blossoms, leaves, stems and roots into a powder. For one cup of tea, pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of powder, and let steep for 15 minutes. Offer and sip slowly.
Other names for Lovage
Garden lovage
Levisticum officinale W.D.J. Koch
