Lovage

(Perennial)

Lovage 
A robust, aromatic perennial, Lovage produces lush, celery-flavoured leaves in spring and towering flower stalks up to 2m in summer. Its attractive flowerheads are bee-friendly and yield edible seeds that can replace celery seeds in pickles, breads, and savoury dishes. With a flavour reminiscent of celery and a hint of parsley, it adds depth to soups, stews, stocks, and meat dishes. A striking and useful addition to any herb garden.

Planting
• Where: Lightly-shaded position in well-drained soil or compost.

Care
• Watering: Keep well watered until established, especially in dry periods.
• Protection: Protect from slugs and snails.
• Self-Seeding: Will freely self-seed if left to flower.

Height & Spread
• Size: 90 – 150cm × 60 – 90cm.

Harvesting
• Leaves: Pick young leaves as needed, preferably in the morning when aromatic oils are strongest. Avoid taking more than one-third at a time to maintain healthy growth.

Top Tips
• Culinary Use: Use leaves like celery to flavour soups, stews, and stocks, or enhance pork and poultry dishes.
• Seed Harvest: Collect seeds from mature flowerheads to use as a natural seasoning.
• Succession Harvesting: Regular picking encourages fresh, tender growth.