Lovage [Levisticum officinale]

Lovage is a perennial, hardy spice and medicinal plant from the Middle East. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, lovage was one of the most widespread herbs in northwestern Italy (Liguria). In earlier popular belief, the plant was considered protection against magic, but today it is mainly used as a spice. The species is used as a remedy for throat diseases and has a digestive effect. The large pinnate leaves of the bushy perennial are dark green, triangular-diamond-shaped and develop long-flowering yellow umbels. The leaves and seeds are very aromatic, spicy and strong in taste, similar to celery.

General information
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 250 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 70x100 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Parsley
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from February to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to June.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible lovage leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Lovage prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with a permeable, moist, nutrient-rich and humus-rich loamy soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or cuttings.

Plant care
Regular watering causes faster growth. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Levisticum officinale
English names: Lovage
German names: Liebstöckel, Liebstock, Maggikraut, Nusskraut, Rübestöckel, Liebstengel, Liebrohr, Lavas, Lusstock
Portuguese names: Levístico
Spanish names: Levístico
French names: Livèche