Levisticum

( leh - VISS - tih - kum )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as Lovage, this genus consists of a single species, Levisticum officinale. It forms an herbaceous plant and is commonly cultivated in Europe. Leaves are used as herbs in cooking, the roots are used and prepared as a vegetable, and seeds are used as a spice. Flavor and smell of these crop plants are similar to a cross between Celery and Parsley, but with a more intense flavor. Grow Lovage as a member of a vegetable or herb garden, or simply as a pollinator-friendly edimental in the landscape. The foliage makes an impressive show in the garden, and bright yellow flowers are quite fragrant in summertime.

Levisticum Species and Varietals

The genus Levisticum is a member of the plant family Apiaceae, and includes just one species. It is a close relative of other popular herbs and root vegetables, including Parsnip, Angelica, Carrots, Parsley, and Celery. They do best in USDA growing zones 3-9. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Levisticum officinale (Lovage, Garden Lovage, Love Parsley, Mountain Celery)
This species produces an erect herbaceous plant up to between 6 and 8 feet tall when mature. It forms a basal rosette of leaves from which stems emerge, holding more yellow-green to green leaves. Flowers are yellow. The species is native to Afghanistan and Iran, and has been introduced to many areas around the globe. 85-95 DTM. This species is considered invasive in New England (United States).

Caring for Levisticum

Lovage plants are typically grown from seed (either started indoors or sown directly into the garden), but they can also be sourced as divisions of existing plants or purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. Start seeds indoors about 5-6 weeks before the last frost of your area; they can be direct-sown when soil temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. Plant Lovage in full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. In especially warm climates, they can get some afternoon shade when temperatures are at their warmest (typically between 2 and 3 PM). Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of around 6.5 (slightly acidic). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. Keep soil moist for mature plants. They like regular waterings, and do not like it when soil is allowed to fully dry out between irrigations. When soil is allowed to dry out, the leaves tend to become bitter and unpalatable. Plants not being cultivated for their edible leaves can be given a little bit less water.

Fertilize the planting area yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If you are not harvesting Lovage on a regular basis, make sure to clean up the center of the plant from time to time during the growing season to help promote air circulation and remove any dead or damaged portions of the plant. If you will be saving seed for future propagation, make sure to leave some flowering heads on plants to develop into seeds. Every few years (4-5 years typically), when Lovage plants are grown in cramped quarters like containers or narrow borders, they will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Lovage plants, see the Propagation section below. Levisticum plants are long-lived perennials, able to survive in the garden for a few decades before needing to be replaced. It reaches its mature size within 3 to 4 years' time.

Growing Levisticum in Containers
Lovage plants can be grown either in the ground or in containers. They have large root systems, and will therefore need a fairly large pot to grow in. The ideal container should be 12 inches wide and just as deep. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away. Use a well-draining potting mix, amended with plenty of organic material and, if needed, perlite or vermiculite. After planting, apply a layer of mulch to the top of substrate to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Lovage plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground; daily waterings are recommended in summertime. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When growing Lovage in containers, keep in mind that they will increase in size over time, and may need to be divided after a few years. For instructions on how to successfully divide Levisticum plants, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Levisticum Plants
Levisticum, or Lovage plants, are cultivated for their edible roots, foliage, and seeds. Foliage is typically ready to be harvested between 85 and 95 days after planting. Leaves are green and look similar to flat-leaf Parsley with a taste reminiscent of citrusy Celery. To harvest, use sharp, clean pruners or snips, and cut back stems to a spot just above a leaf node. To keep plants healthy, don't take more than 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant's foliage at any one time. The seeds of Levisticum plants are also used in culinary applications, and have a taste and uses similar to Fennel seeds. Roots are commonly harvested in fall or spring, typically when plants are being divided. Starting from the outside of the plant, work your way in carefully using a garden fork or trowel, and gently lift the root system out of the ground. Brush off any debris, and then bring the roots inside for processing. The roots can be washed and cut into 1/2 inch slices which are dried for later use or used fresh in salads or in tea. To harvest the seeds of Lovage plants, wait until the flower heads dry up and turn brown. Cut the flowering stems from the plant at their base, and then place them in a bag. Thresh to release seeds. Once seeds have been released, separate them from the chaff and store them in a cool, dry place. The seeds are typically crushed and used as flavoring to season bread, soups, roasts, and cheese dishes. They can also be used in pickling brines, cheese spreads, salads and dressings, and sauces.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Levisticum, or Lovage, can be propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Lovage plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Levisticum by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Levisticum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Seeds are held in seed heads, which form after flowers have faded.

Levisticum seeds are small, aromatic, and have a celery flavor with fennel undertones.

Problems and Pests

Levisticum plants are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Levisticum plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: