Planting and Harvest Guide for Lovage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb that belongs to the same family as celery, parsley, and carrot. It has a strong flavor and aroma, similar to celery but more intense, making it a popular addition to soups, stews, and salads. Lovage is easy to grow and can reach a height of up to 6 feet, with attractive green leaves and yellow flowers. In this planting and harvest guide, we will provide you with a detailed step-by-step process to successfully grow and harvest lovage.

1. Selecting a Planting Location:
   - Choose a sunny location: Lovage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
   - Soil requirements: The soil should be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic (pH 5.8-7.0). Lovage adapts well to various soil types but thrives in loamy soil with good organic matter content.

2. Planting Time:
   - Plant lovage seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost date in your area.
   - Lovage can also be grown from root divisions or transplants obtained from nurseries. In this case, planting can be done in either spring or fall.

3. Propagation:
   - Seeds: Sow lovage seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the prepared soil.
   - Root divisions/Transplants: Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of the transplant or division. Ensure that the plant is at the same depth as it was in the previous pot or garden bed.

4. Spacing:
   - Space lovage plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow enough room for growth.

5. Watering:
   - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate or the transplants establish.
   - Once established, lovage is relatively drought-tolerant but still requires regular watering, especially in dry periods.

6. Mulching:
   - Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and improve soil fertility. Straw, wood chips, or compost make excellent choices for mulching lovage.

7. Fertilizing:
   - Prior to planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure into the soil to ensure a nutrient-rich growing environment.
   - During the growing season, side-dress lovage plants every few weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as fish emulsion or blood meal, to promote healthy growth.

8. Maintenance and Care:
   - Regularly weed the area around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
   - Pinch or trim young lovage plants to encourage bushier growth.
   - Strong stems might require staking to prevent them from bending or breaking during windy conditions.

9. Harvesting:
   - Harvesting can begin once lovage plants have reached at least 12 inches in height, which typically takes about 3 to 4 months after planting.
   - Harvesting can be done by cutting off individual leaves or entire stems at the base of the plant. Leaves can be collected throughout the growing season as needed.
   - For optimum flavor, harvest lovage early in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.
   - Fresh lovage can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
   
10. Overwintering (In regions with cold winters):
    - In areas with freezing temperatures, loam-like mulch such as leaves or straw can help insulate the plant's roots and prevent damage during winter.
    - Cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground after the first frost in fall.