Lovage

Growing

Lovage is a robust, single-stemmed perennial that thrives when you maintain evenly moist soil. Because it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral environment, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This herb is exceptionally hardy and can survive a hard freeze, making it a reliable fixture in your garden for years. If you are working with limited space, its upright growth habit allows it to perform beautifully in containers, provided you keep the moisture levels constant.

When it comes to using your harvest, remember that lovage does not ripen after being picked, so you should harvest the leaves exactly when you are ready to use them. The flavor is much more intense and spicy than common celery or parsley, making it a powerful addition to soups, salads, or even as a seasoning for boiled eggs. You can also use the seeds as a spice similar to how you would use fennel.

To preserve the harvest, you can dry the leaves or freeze them to maintain that potent aroma. If you find your plant becoming too large, you can propagate new plants through division. Beyond the kitchen, the aromatic leaves are sometimes used in infusions for hair care.