Lovage [Levisticum officinale]

The perennial lovage is a hardy spice and medicinal plant. An old remedy for throat diseases, with a digestive effect. Very aromatic, spicy and strong in taste. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves and seeds.

 Description 
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 northwest Italy (Liguria). In earlier popular belief, the plant was considered to protect 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, feathery 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 flavor, 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
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination 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

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Parsley
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to September is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Lovage does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. Fertilization is only recommended in spring.

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

 Origin 
Country: Portugal