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Lovage

Levisticum officinale

herb

A tall perennial herb with celery-like foliage and small yellow flowers, reaching 3–6 feet in height. All parts—leaves, stems, seeds, and roots—are edible and have a strong celery-like flavor used in soups, stocks, and seasonings. Lovage is a hardy, long-lived plant that returns reliably each spring and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Lovage

Common Problems

Select the problem your Lovage is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

Care Guide

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Light
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply once or twice weekly depending on rainfall and temperature.
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Soil
Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter; tolerates a wide pH range (6.0–7.5).
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Fertiliser
Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring; established plants rarely need additional feeding if grown in rich soil.
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Temperature
Hardy perennial; tolerates freezing winters and prefers cooler temperatures (60–70°F growing season).
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Humidity
Moderate humidity; drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture.

Toxicity

check_circleSafe for Catscheck_circleSafe for DogsdangerousToxic to Children

Not toxic to pets, but may cause photosensitivity in some individuals due to furanocoumarins in the leaves and stems.

Common Diseases

Common Pests

Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.