How to Grow Lovage in Australia
A cool-season herb crop for the home garden
Growing Lovage rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Replaces celery in most recipes. One plant lasts years and regrows each spring.
This guide covers when to plant Lovage in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Lovage is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May and June. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Common Lovage
Standard species. Tall perennial with large celery-flavoured leaves. One plant is plenty.
Try: Eden Seeds, Green Harvest, Diggers
Position and Soil
Give Lovage full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 60 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 20 degrees.
Levisticum officinale. Large perennial herb with intense celery-like flavour. One plant is enough for a household. European kitchen garden staple. Best in cooler climates (Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide). In SEQ, grows well in cool season but may struggle in summer humidity.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Leaf miner. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Lovage is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Fridge in a damp cloth for 1 week. Dry leaves store for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lovage is good leaves used as a celery substitute in soups and stews, stems candied like angelica, seeds used as a spice (like celery seed) and added to stocks and broths for depth. Nutritionally: diuretic and digestive tonic and rich in vitamin C.
Companion Planting
Lovage grows well alongside Beans and Potato. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Lovage Growing
Add lovage to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Australia?
Lovage is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May and June. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lovage take to grow?
Lovage is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Lovage in a pot?
Yes. Lovage grows well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Lovage need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lovage in the Plant Library
