Lovage in Zone 4a & 4b
Levisticum officinale
When to plant lovage in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Lovage needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 27–Apr 3 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 22–May 29 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 20–Aug 27 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-6.5 ft.
Lovage tastes like celery turned up several notches, and it grows like it means it: a single plant can reach 6 feet tall and just as wide once established, which is a strange thing to learn about an herb most people have never grown. One plant is enough for a household that uses it in stocks, soups, and salads.
How lovage fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Lovage needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Lovage.
Where to buy lovage seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing lovage" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Lovage in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest