Lovage, with its tall, sturdy stems and lush, dark green leaves, brings a robust and aromatic touch to any garden. This perennial herb is known for its celery-like flavor and its use in both culinary and medicinal applications. The large, serrated leaves and clusters of small, yellow-green flowers add to its visual appeal, making lovage an attractive addition to garden beds, borders, or containers.

In Florida planting zone 9, lovage thrives during the cooler months, producing lush foliage and strong stems. The plants can reach impressive heights, providing a striking vertical element to your garden. Watching these vigorous plants grow and develop is a rewarding experience, showcasing the beauty and productivity of your garden.

For those new to gardening, lovage is a wonderful choice. It is relatively easy to grow and provides a continuous supply of flavorful leaves, stems, and seeds. Whether you enjoy it fresh in salads, cooked into soups and stews, or use the seeds as a spice, lovage brings a unique and aromatic element to your meals, making your gardening endeavors both enjoyable and fruitful.

I would give lovage a 4 out of 5 on how easy it is to grow. It is relatively straightforward to cultivate and manage, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Lovage Growing Guide for Zone 9

Planting Time: In Florida, plant lovage in early spring or fall. Lovage thrives in cooler weather but can tolerate some heat, making it suitable for both spring and fall planting.

Soil: Lovage prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can improve fertility and structure.

Sun: Lovage grows best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist.

Spacing: Plant lovage seeds or transplants 18-24 inches apart. Lovage can grow quite large, so proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation and room for growth.

Fertilization:
N-P-K Ratio: Lovage benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to support lush, leafy growth, such as 10-10-10 or 20-10-10.

When to Add:

• Before Planting: Apply the fertilizer to the soil before planting seeds or transplants to promote strong initial growth.

• Early Spring: Reapply the fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

• Mid-Growing Season: Reapply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support continued leafy growth.

Application Tips:

• Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.

• Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.

Additional Tips:

• Lovage grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost to improve soil fertility and structure.

• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Ensure that lovage receives consistent moisture to prevent stress and promote tender, flavorful leaves.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

Harvesting: Lovage is ready to harvest when the plant is about 12-18 inches tall, typically 90-120 days after planting. Pick the leaves as needed by cutting them from the stems, ideally before the plant starts to flower for the best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages new growth. The leaves, stems, and seeds can be used fresh or dried for later use.

Herb Uses:

Culinary Uses: Lovage has a strong celery-like flavor and is commonly used in soups, stews, and salads. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, the stems can be used similarly to celery, and the seeds can be used as a spice.

Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, lovage has been used for its diuretic and digestive properties. It is believed to help with urinary tract infections, reduce bloating, and aid in digestion. Lovage tea is often used to relieve digestive discomfort and to act as a mild diuretic.

By selecting the right lovage varieties and following these growing tips, you can achieve a successful and bountiful lovage harvest in your Florida garden. Lovage is versatile and easy to grow, making it a favorite among home gardeners.

Pests and Diseases that Affect Lovage in Florida:

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.

• Leaf Miners: Insects that burrow into leaves, creating tunnels and causing damage.

Natural Pest Control

• Root Rot: A fungal disease that occurs in waterlogged soil.

• Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves.

Vegetables to Avoid Planting Near Lovage:

None specific: Lovage generally does not have specific companion planting issues but ensure it has enough space and is not overcrowded by other plants.