How to grow Lovage in Australia

Where to plant

Give lovage a spot in full sun or light shade, in rich soil that holds moisture but does not stay waterlogged. It is a big plant, so put it at the back of a bed or on the south side where its height will not shade other crops. Dig a bucket of compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole.

Lovage is a herbaceous perennial that dies down in cold winters and shoots again in spring. In warm climates without a proper cool season it tends to fade after a year or two, so grow it as a short-lived plant there.

• Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: the best lovage country, where it is a reliable long-lived perennial.
• Sydney and Adelaide: grows well, with afternoon shade and regular water in summer.
• South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: sow in the cool season and treat it as short-lived, as summer heat and humidity knock it back.
• North Queensland and Darwin: not suited; it needs a cool season.

How to plant

1. Sow a few seeds shallowly, about 0.5 cm deep, in a punnet or pot of seed raising mix, or buy a young plant. One or two plants are usually enough.
2. Keep the mix moist. Seed takes about two weeks to come up.
3. Move seedlings into their own pots once they are growing strongly, then plant out when well rooted.
4. Plant at the same depth it was growing, 45 to 60 cm from other plants, and water in well.
5. Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails.

Watering and feeding

Water regularly through the first growing season until the plant is settled. Like celery, lovage likes moist soil, so water deeply in hot or dry spells, especially in full sun or sandy soil. Leaves grown dry turn tough and bitter.

Spread compost or well-rotted manure around the clump each spring as it starts to grow. Established plants in good soil need little other feeding.

Pruning and care through the year

• Cut off flower stems as they form if you mainly want leaves. The leaves turn bitter once the plant flowers.
• If leaf growth slows in summer, cut the old foliage back to encourage a fresh flush.
• Lovage self-seeds readily. Remove spent flower heads, or collect the seed, and weed out seedlings you do not want.
• In cold areas the plant dies back in late autumn. Cut the old stems down then or in late winter before new growth starts.

Harvesting

Pick young leaves and stems regularly through the growing season; regular picking keeps new leaves coming. Cut outer stalks at the base and the centre keeps growing. A plant raised from seed is best picked lightly in its first year.

Seeds can be collected when ripe and dry in late summer or autumn and used as a spice.

Growing in pots

Lovage grows best in the ground but will grow in a large, heavy pot at least 30 cm wide and deep, so the tall flower stems do not tip it over. Plant it on its own, as it soon crowds out other herbs, and keep the mix evenly moist all season.

Using it

Use the leaves fresh and finely chopped in soups, stews, stocks, salads and egg and potato dishes, where they add a strong celery flavour, so use less than you would of celery. Young stems can be cooked like celery, and the seeds are used in baking and pickles. Leaves keep about a week in the fridge wrapped in a damp cloth, and dried leaves keep for months.

Propagation and saving seed

Grow lovage from fresh seed, transplant self-sown seedlings that come up around the clump, or divide a large established clump in spring, keeping a good piece of root with each section.