An easy to grow herb, lovage grown from seed should be started in the spring. It can be sown indoors in 6 to 8 weeks prior to being replanted outside.
Lovage is a fast growing herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, depending on the type of soil it is grown in.
This herb is very drought tolerant and will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and full shade.
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How do you grow lovage seeds indoors?
When soil temperatures are above 60F, sprinkle the seeds on prepared soil and lightly cover them with sand. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost. Place seeds on top of fresh seed starting mix.
Sow seeds in spring or early summer, when the soil temperature is in the mid-60s to low 70s F. The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks. After germination, place the seedlings in a warm, well-drained pot and allow them to grow until they reach a height of 3-4 feet.
Remove the plants from the pot when they are 6-8 inches tall.
Does lovage come back every year?
Two perennial herbs that I wouldn’t be without are lovage and sorrel. They come up every year, survive on little attention, and are among the first plants to provide fresh green leaves in spring. Sorrel, on the other hand, has a sweet, earthy flavor that’s similar to parsley, but with a hint of citrus.
I love both of these herbs, so I’m always looking for ways to incorporate them into my cooking. In this recipe, I use them both as a garnish and as an ingredient in a salad. I love the way they complement each other and add a bit of color to a dish.
How long does it take for lovage seeds to germinate?
Perennial can be difficult to start from seed. If you’re patient, lovage seeds can take up to 20 days to grow, and the seedlings shouldn’t be planted outdoors until night temperatures are at least 21c. Lovage is a low-maintenance plant, so it’s best to fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
For best results, choose a fertilizer that contains no nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, as these nutrients can damage the plant’s roots and cause it to wilt. If you’re not sure which fertilizer to use, check the label to see if it contains any of these ingredients.
What do I do with lovage seeds?
You can toss its lively young leaves in salads or tuck them into the cavity of a chicken or fish before roasting; finely shredded, they are a great addition to soups, stews, mash or scrambled eggs; you can steam the stems, braise the roots and use the leaves as a garnish. The leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked, but I prefer to cook them.
I like to sauté them in a bit of olive oil with a little salt and pepper, then add them to a pan of simmering water and let them cook for a few minutes, until they’re tender and the liquid has evaporated. I toss them with some chopped parsley and serve.
Does lovage need sun?
In the sun or partial shade plant in rich, deep, moist soil. Lovage is a prolific self-fertilizer. Cuttings are easy to propagate from seed. Cut the plant back to 1/2-inch (6 mm) above the soil surface and place in a warm, well-drained pot. Water well and allow to germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Is lovage toxic to dogs?
Lovage is toxic to animals. Lovage has volatile oils and is known to cause irritation to the skin. It’s also known to cause allergic reactions in dogs and cats. However, if you are concerned about your pet’s health, you should consult your veterinarian.
