Lovage

Nicolas Duval

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Overview

Lovage, scientifically known as Levisticum officinale, is a robust, perennial herb akin to celery in both taste and appearance. Native to Western Asia and Mediterranean regions, it’s also called smellage or maggi plant. Adaptable to full sunlight and partial shade, lovage requires moist, fertile soil to flourish, and is known to die back in winter only to re-emerge in early spring. Its culinary potential, coupled with ease of growth, makes it a flavorful addition to any herb garden.

Family

Life Cycle

lovage, maggi herb, young plants
Characteristics

Known for its culinary resemblance to celery, adaptability to sunlight and partial shade, and robust growth in moist, fertile soil.

Region

Western Asia, parts of the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region.

Natural Habitat

Lovage is typically found in mountainous regions and along stream banks.

Cultivation

Prefers full sun to partial shade, moist and fertile well-drained soil.

Table Of Contents
  1. Overview
  2. Uses and Benefits
  3. Cultivation Tips
  4. Seasonal Considerations
  5. Issues and Troubleshooting
  6. History and Folklore
  7. References

Uses and Benefits

Lovage can transform both your health routine and culinary adventures with its impressive range of benefits. This powerful herb offers a unique combination of medicinal properties and versatile cooking applications.

  • Kitchen Benefits:
    • Enhances soups and broths with rich, celery-like depth
    • Seeds work as a natural salt substitute
    • Roots can be candied or used in teas
    • Fresh leaves add complexity to potato dishes and salads
  • Health Properties:
    • Supports healthy uric acid levels
    • Aids digestion and reduces bloating3
    • Natural diuretic properties help maintain fluid balance3
    • Contains beneficial antioxidants
  • Practical Applications:
    • Use as a natural breath freshener
    • Create aromatherapy bath blends
    • Make healing teas and tinctures
    • Preserve in vinegars and oils

For best results, harvest leaves in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated. Store dried leaves in an airtight container away from direct sunlight to maintain their therapeutic properties for up to six months.

lovage, maggi herb, plant

Cultivation Tips

Plant lovage seedlings 60-90cm apart to give them ample growing space. When they reach 3-4 inches tall, thin to 6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. As spring arrives, do a final spacing adjustment to keep plants 18-24 inches from each other – this optimal distance ensures good airflow and helps prevent disease issues1.

For container growing, choose a deep pot at least 30cm in width and height for each plant. The generous pot size allows proper root development2. This hardy herb tolerates winter die-back and rebounds vigorously in early spring. For best results, plant in either fall or spring12.

Essential Growing Requirements:

  • Soil: Keep consistently moist but never waterlogged
  • Light: Position in full sun to partial shade
  • Maintenance: Remove yellowed or damaged foliage regularly
  • Support: Add stakes for tall growth if needed
  • Mulch: Apply organic mulch to retain moisture

During the growing season, fertilize monthly with balanced organic fertilizer. Cut back flowering stems to encourage leaf production and prevent self-seeding. In autumn, trim plants to 6 inches above ground level before winter dormancy1.

Companion Planting

Lovage makes an excellent companion plant due to its natural pest-deterrent qualities and impressive height. Here’s how to maximize its benefits in your garden:

Best Companion Plants:

  • Tomatoes – lovage’s aroma masks tomato scent from pests
  • Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale)
  • Potatoes and root vegetables
  • Beans and other legumes

When planning your garden layout, consider that lovage can reach heights of 6-7 feet and spread 3-4 feet wide. Place it where it won’t shade shorter companions but can still provide protective benefits.

Strategic Planting Tips:

  • Plant lovage along garden borders to create natural pest barriers
  • Space plants at least 3 feet apart to allow proper growth
  • Position on the north side of gardens to avoid overshadowing
  • Integrate near vegetables prone to aphid attacks

The plant’s strong celery-like scent naturally repels:

  • Aphids
  • Cabbage moths
  • Various garden beetles

For maximum companion planting benefits, maintain 2-3 lovage plants in a typical home garden. This provides adequate pest protection while preventing overcrowding. Remember that lovage is a perennial that returns each year, so choose its location thoughtfully within your permanent garden design.

Seasonal Considerations

Lovage follows distinct seasonal patterns throughout the growing year. In early spring, established plants emerge with vigorous new growth, reaching impressive heights of up to 6 feet by mid-season. First-year seedlings develop more gradually, focusing energy on root establishment1.

The seasonal growth cycle includes:

  • Spring: Primary growing season with rapid leaf production
  • Summer: Tall flowering stalks develop, producing yellow-green umbels
  • Fall: Growth slows as plants prepare for dormancy
  • Winter: Above-ground portions die back while roots remain viable

For optimal seasonal care:

  • Cut back flowering stems in late spring to encourage leaf production
  • Harvest leaves regularly throughout the growing season
  • Divide mature plants every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
  • Apply mulch in late fall to protect roots during winter months

In warmer climates, lovage may remain semi-evergreen. However, in zones 4-8, expect complete winter dieback. Don’t worry – established plants reliably return each spring2. For continuous harvest, consider succession planting every 3-4 weeks during spring and early summer. This ensures fresh leaves are always available for culinary use.

Prune plants back to ground level after first frost and remove debris to prevent overwintering pests1.

lovage, levisticum, spice

Issues and Troubleshooting

Lovage can face challenges like improper watering and pest infestations. Monitor soil moisture – moist but well-drained conditions prevent root rot4. Excess water leads to this common herb issue. Inspect for aphids on new growth and rinse plants with water to remove them.

In hot climates, provide afternoon Levisticum officinale with partial shade. Direct sun can scorch leaves and cause wilting. Allow ample spacing between plants for good air circulation. Overcrowding increases disease risks.

  • Monitor soil moisture and drainage
  • Check for and manage aphid infestations
  • In hot areas, give afternoon shade
  • Space plants to allow air flow

Proper care prevents common lovage troubles like:

  • Root rot from overwatering
  • Aphid damage to new growth
  • Scorching and wilting
  • Disease from overcrowding

History and Folklore

Lovage’s rich history spans across ancient civilizations, with its origins traced to Western Asia, the Middle East, and Mediterranean regions. This remarkable herb played significant roles in Roman culture, where it was believed to relieve fatigue and enhance the spirits of weary soldiers3.

Medieval monasteries preserved lovage cultivation throughout Europe, where monks documented its uses in their famous physic gardens. In Germanic folklore, lovage was tucked into baths and sachets as a “cleansing herb,” while Italian households knew it as “sedano di monte” (mountain celery), incorporating it into their daily cooking and healing traditions3.

The herb’s romantic associations are deeply rooted in European folklore. Its name possibly derives from “love-ache” or “love-parsley,” reflecting its reputation as a love potion ingredient. During the Middle Ages, young women would carry lovage in their pockets or add it to bathing water, believing it would attract potential suitors.

This cherished plant’s journey through time reflects humanity’s enduring connection to botanical traditions, carrying its legacy of culinary excellence and folk wisdom into modern gardens.

References

1. Johnny’s. “Lovage (Levisticum officinale) | Herb Growing Information | Johnny’s …” https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/lovage/lovage-key-growing-information.html
2. BBC Gardeners World Magazine. “How to Grow Lovage | BBC Gardeners World Magazine.” https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-lovage/
3. Gardeners Path. “Growing Lovage: An Uncommon Herb with Many Uses.” https://gardenerspath.com/plants/vegetables/growing-lovage-uncommon-leafy-green-many-uses/
4. Harvest to Table. “How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Lovage – Harvest to Table.” https://harvesttotable.com/how-to-grow-lovage/

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Nicolas Duval

Nicolas is a passionate advocate for nature and the art of wildcrafting. His dedication shines through in Wildcraftia, a website he meticulously crafted to serve as a haven for nature enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a deep appreciation for nature’s connection to humanity, Nicolas embarked on his journey in 2011 with SmokableHerbs, a platform showcasing his love for nature’s bounty. Building upon this foundation, he established Smokably, a thriving online store offering premium herbs and blends to a global audience.