Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Also known as: Lovage, Maggi plant

**Benefits:**

1. **Culinary Uses**: Lovage, with its robust, celery-like taste, can elevate the flavor of soups, stews, and salads. Both its leaves and stems are edible.

2. **Attracts Pollinators**: The plant's summer-blooming yellow flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing garden pollination.

3. **Wildlife Appeal**: Birds are attracted to lovage seeds, adding to garden biodiversity.

4. **Hardy Growth**: Lovage is a hardy perennial that thrives in various soil types, making it an easy addition to most gardens.

**Potential Risks:**

1. **Toxicity Concerns**: Some parts of the plant are considered toxic and may cause adverse effects if consumed in large quantities.

2. **Diuretic Effects**: Lovage can increase urination, which may be problematic for individuals with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications.

3. **Skin Sensitivity**: Handling the plant can cause skin irritation or photosensitivity due to its chemical compounds.

4. **Invasive Potential**: If not properly managed, lovage can spread aggressively and dominate garden spaces.

Consult a healthcare professional before using lovage for medicinal purposes and exercise caution when incorporating it into your diet.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Lovage

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Spread

50 cm to 88 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 mm to 3 mm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Lovage

Quickly Identify Lovage

Compound, toothed leaves resemble a fern-like hand.

Hollow, grooved stems rise straight from a thick taproot.

Bright green, glossy foliage creates a robust, tall appearance.

Produces small, yellow-green umbels clustered atop sturdy stalks.

Can reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in a garden setting.

Scientific Classification of Lovage

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Apiales

Family

Umbellifers

Genus

Lovage

Species

Lovage

Planting and Growing of Lovage

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Lovage?

Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, thrives with a watering regime that keeps the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. A delicate balance is crucial, generally requiring about 250 ml of water per session to maintain healthy soil moisture without risking root rot. Ensuring the top inch of soil feels moist to the touch is a good indicator that you are watering adequately.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Lovage? ›

What should I do if my Lovage is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Lovage? ›

How to save an overwatered Lovage? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Lovage?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: Six to eight hours

Levisticum officinale flourishes best under full sun for most of the day but can tolerate partial sun conditions. The adequate light provides the necessary energy for vigorous growth and high yield, enhancing its culinary and aromatic properties.

What is the perfect location for Levisticum officinale? ›

How to adjust lighting conditions for optimal growth? ›

Benefits of providing the right lighting conditions? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Lovage?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

Levisticum officinale thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. This range allows the plant to conduct photosynthesis efficiently and maintain optimal growth rates. Providing this consistent temperature range ensures the plant remains healthy and vigorous, promoting good leaf production and strong overall development.

What Soil is Best for Lovage?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Levisticum officinale thrives in soil that retains moisture well. This need for consistent moisture ensures that the plant can continue to produce lush, aromatic leaves and support its sturdy growth. Proper moisture retention also helps prevent the leaves from wilting in dry conditions. A nutrient-rich soil is essential for Levisticum officinale to grow healthy and strong. Soils abundant in organic matter provide the necessary nutrients for its growth, leading to more vibrant foliage and a more potent herbal harvest. This requirement aids in producing richer flavors in culinary uses. While moisture is important, excessively waterlogged conditions can harm Levisticum officinale by leading to root rot. Thus, well-drained soil is crucial to allow excess water to escape, maintaining the delicate balance of moisture the plant needs for optimal health and growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Lovage?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, benefits from a balanced fertilization approach. Monthly liquid feeding with a diluted solution provides the plant with essential nutrients. A typical mixture involves dissolving one tablespoon of liquid fertilizer in one gallon of water. During peak growing periods, providing nutrients consistently helps it flourish. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Lovage?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by removing any dead or damaged stems, cutting them back to the base of the plant. 2. Identify any overly long stems that disrupt the plant's overall shape; trim these back to a leaf node. 3. To encourage bushiness, pinch back the tips of long stems. 4. Finally, step back and evaluate the plant's symmetry, making additional cuts as needed to sculpt it into the desired form. While Levisticum officinale can be pruned almost all year long, the ideal times are during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. This allows it to recover quickly from the cutbacks. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn and winter, as the plant's growth slows, which might leave it vulnerable to the cold. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Lovage plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Start by preparing a seed tray with a rich, well-draining potting mix. Sow the seeds lightly and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently to avoid washing away the seeds.

Carefully dig up the mature Levisticum officinale plant. Use a sharp knife or shears to divide the root clumps, ensuring each division has several roots and buds.

Once the seedlings have grown several true leaves, they're ready for transplanting. Choose a sunny spot in the garden, dig a hole, and place the seedling gently in the new location.

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How to Repot Lovage plant?

Repotting frequency: Every one to two years

Levisticum officinale, commonly known as Loveage, should be repotted when you notice roots circling the bottom of the pot or poking through drainage holes. Spring is the ideal season, as the plant is gearing up for its growing phase. During this time, repotting can help provide fresh nutrients and room for root expansion.

When selecting a pot for Levisticum officinale, choose one that is at least 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. This allows for adequate root growth without overwhelming the plant with too much soil volume, which can retain excess moisture. Ensure it has good drainage holes to prevent water stagnation, crucial for healthy root development and to avoid root rot.

Opt for a rich, well-draining potting mix with a slightly neutral pH for repotting Levisticum officinale. A blend including loamy soil, peat, or coconut coir, and perlite can offer excellent aeration while retaining enough moisture. This composition encourages robust root development and supports the plant's nutritional needs, promoting lush, aromatic foliage.

Toxicity of Lovage

Is Lovage toxic to cat?

Lovage contains a mild toxic compound harmful to cats and may result in poisoning if consumed in significant quantities. Every section of the lovage plant is regarded as toxic, and affected cats might exhibit signs of physical distress when poisoned. It is important for cat owners to vigilantly supervise their pets and restrict access to lovage, as consumption could lead to negative reactions. If a cat accidentally ingests lovage, it is imperative to seek prompt veterinary assistance to properly address the situation and lessen its effects.

Is Lovage toxic to dog?

Lovage presents a slight toxicity hazard to dogs. If ingested in large quantities, every part of the plant could potentially cause poisoning. Affected dogs may show signs of gastrointestinal distress or other mild reactions after consuming lovage. It is essential for dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and restrict their access to areas where lovage flourishes. Should a dog consume a considerable amount of lovage, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is vital to safeguard the animal's health and well-being.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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