Lovage
Levisticum offinale. Lovage is a favourite of many chefs for its strong celery and parsley taste, with hints of citrus. A little goes a long way with this herb! While being a vigorous grower, up to 6' tall in one season, all parts of this lovely plant are edible including the seeds. Hardy to zone 4. Approx. 1000 sds/pkg.
Details
Growing Information
Planting:
Perennial zone 4. Sow seeds 6 weeks before last frost or direct seed outside 1-2 weeks before last frost. Seeds can also be directly sown in the fall. Soil temperature should be ambient room temperature with best results at 15°C. Keep soil moist until germination occurs. After germination, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Growing:
Transplant into full sun to part shade locations. Plant into a well cultivated bed with a good amendment of manure or compost. Vigorous grower, growing 6' in one season. Space plants 2-3' apart. Allowing plants to flower attracts many beneficial insects to the garden.
Harvesting:
All parts of the plant can be consumed including the seeds. We recommend allowing the plants to bloom, as their flower heads are attractive to a wide range of predatory and beneficial insects. the harvested seeds can be used as a spice, with a flavour similar to fennel seeds.