Flowers The young leaves of this perennial herb are ideal for adding to salads, soups, stews and potato dishes, while blanched shoots can be eaten as a vegetable, and the roots are edible as a cooked vegetable or raw in salads. Get lovage seeds The first step in growing lovage at home is getting the seeds. Takes on more flavor as it dries. They die back to the ground, but re-sprout in early spring. New growth will emerge from the base of the plant. Large clumps can be divided in the spring. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Marketing Most growers sell the leaves fresh, in small bunches, but dried leaves will appeal to purveyors of teas and medicinal tinctures. Once they have reached the 2 -3 inch mark watering can be cut back to that you would normally supply other vegetable plants without special needs.Lovage is a good companion plant in the vegetable - herb garden. The leaves should be dried slowly and stored in an airtight container. Use leaves in soups or salads. Not to mention you can eat it all. Sow a few into a small pot filled with seed compost and cover with a thin layer of perlite – don't sow too many seeds, due to its size one plant is generally enough in the garden. Lovage herb does not make a good companion plant because of the strong smell that it also excretes through the roots. These, too, should be dried. If you are not harvesting regularly, you should prune once in the middle of the growing season to help promote air circulation and to remove any dead or damaged portions. Oregano, Origanum vulgare: Best culinary types are Italian and Greek. It will regrow in the spring. Find help & information on Levisticum officinale lovage from the RHS Hardiness ratings All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected Other types are less cold hardy and tend to have more pest/disease issues. Cut as needed. Cut back each season to keep in shape. Usually one lovage plant is enough for a home garden. Once dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store in a glass jar until you need it. Alternatively, save time and buy ready grown plants in spring. An electric dehydrator can be used as well, but isn’t necessary. Cut leaf stems from the side of the plant. However, be sure to harvest the seeds before cutting the Leave a third of the plant exposed. Retain some seedlings if you like, but weed out others to prevent the plants from smothering other plants in the border. Cut the center stalk when it flowers, to prevent the plant from going to seed (unless, of course, you want to harvest the seeds for cooking or planting). Dry Lovage. Dry leaves and stems by hanging them upside down in a warm, shady place. Tall plant. Use leaves fresh or dried. Can be grown in a container or consider growing annual fennel bulb for similar flavor. Place in a heated propagator to germinate. Contact | Projects | about | Podcast | Our Books | Shop | Resources | In the Press, seattle urban farm company farmers@SeattleUrbanFarmCo.com206.816.9740, Creators of beautifully productive landscapes, Quality Athletics Rooftop Restaurant Garden, Cedar Raised Beds with Permanent Trellising, SnoLEAF CASCADIA GBC GREENHOUSE COMPETITION, ← Fall Plant Palette: Late Summer Planting Inspiration, Upcoming Event: 2015 Seattle Design Festival →, How to Build a Bamboo Tri-pod Trellis: A Photo Tutorial. Lovage will grow to be about six feet tall and comes back every year, so you only need one plant. At this time, cut stems back to just above ground level. Secure with twine. Alternatively, you can cut back the remaining parts of the plant in early spring. They say that you shouldn’t cut back more than a third at a time. 222879/SC038262. Cut plant back down to 1-3 inches above ground after flowering. Lovage is the perfect alternative to celery as it is far easier to grow and much more prolific. After it flowers, take the time to cut the plant back so it will produce nicer, news foliage. Plants will turn back and start to die back in autumn. Lovage plants will turn back and start to die back in autumn. The stalks can be candied like angelica, while dried leaves can be used to make a tea. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets For example: oregano should be cut back almost to the ground, but lavender and sage only needs a gentle trimming to remove the flowers. It can also make the roots more potent if you are harvesting them for a sleep aid. Leaves are best picked before plants start to flower. How to grow it Lovage grows well in deep, rich, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Cut back about 1/3rd of the plant each season when in bloom or just after bloom to keep in shape over time. If you do neglect to cut your lovage and it ends up going into its flowering and seed stage, you’ll start to see some small clusters of yellow flowers on it. Cut back each season before blooming for best leaves. Choose a site at the back of a border for Oregano, Origanum vulgare: Best culinary types are Italian and Greek. Retain some seedlings if you like, but weed out others to prevent the plants from smothering other plants in the border. If your plant becomes a little thinned out towards the end of summer, cut it back to encourage a new flush of growth from which you can harvest. Let the stems die back and cut them off in late autumn. Lovage, Levisticum officinale: Easy to grow, vigorous. At this time, cut stems back to just above ground level. Lovage plants are extremely hardy and can survive below zero temperatures. Mint, Mentha species: Many varieties to choose from. If you look closely at a healthy flowering perennial herb plant, you will notice that there is new growth pushing up from the base of the plant. Plant in a container or bury a bottomless container into the garden to help contain. It’s well worth growing and it’s a good companion for vegetables and herbs. Either buy a plant or sow seed from around March where you want it to grow, or in a 3-inch (7 cms) pot and transplant it once Keep reading for a list of common perennial herbs and accompanying notes on care and storage. Perennial fennel can be cut all the way down to the ground at any point during the season. times, RHS Registered Charity no. To keep the plant healthy, don’t take more than half of the leaves at a time. Trim plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots. The seed heads need to be cut back to Can be cut all the way back (down to about 1-2" above soil) several times per season. Cut the blooms of the valerian plant to use for bouquets. By cutting back the old growth you are making room for those new shoots! Plants will turn back and start to die back in autumn. Lovage prefers cool growing conditions with a winter dormancy so it is not suitable for tropical zones. . Chives, Allium schoenoprasum: One of the easiest herbs to grow. To produce more leaves, the flower stalk should be cut back. Cut the dead stems off and store the pot in a protected, cool place, such as a basement or garage, until spring. When seedlings are large enough, prick out into individual pots. Large clumps can be divided in the spring. Very few insects attack this plant, and completely resistant to … Direct seed: Lovage may be directed seeded in the spring or in early fall for germination in the spring. Once harvested, wash the herb. How to Grow Lovage The powerful, distinctive flavour of lovage means that one plant is generally enough. After a hard frost the foliage looks bad, so I cut it back. Cut the individual stalks down close to the base of the plant. Also consider adding Golden Oregano for more color. To do this, take some sharp pruners and cut the stems back to a spot just above a leaf node. Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis: Best culinary variety is Tuscan Blue, but it can be damaged or killed in colder winters (especially young plants). Plants grow up to 5 feet tall when in flowers and the light green leaves are a bold attractive addition to the herb garden. When 3-4" tall, thin to stand 6" apart. With a spade, cut a circle around the plant. image copyright Colin Coyne image caption Colin's tomatoes before … I usually cut back to where the tall flowering stems emerge from the softer foliage. Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare: Difficult to control, invasive perennial. Trim Lovage plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots. As for your question about your containerized lovage, it is normal at this time of year for lovage to die back. I usually cut back to where the tall flowering stems emerge from the softer foliage. This time of year many perennial herbs are flowering or just about to flower. Let hang until the leaves are crispy dry. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, Our Garden Centres and online shops are packed with unique and thoughtful gifts and decorations to make your Christmas sparkle, General enquiries Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum: Anise hyssop has beautiful flowers (pink or blue or purple). It’s even better news that It is often grown in the herb garden as a culinary herb[7] and is occasionally grown commercially as a food flavouring[K]. By late autumn you will observe die back in the plant’s stems, which means the lovage is going dormant for the winter. Can be cut back as many times as you like. Cut as needed during summer, cut back to 1" above soil in fall. It prefers colder temperatures, though it will die back over winter and return in the spring. 020 3176 5800 Leaves and flowers are edible and have unique taste (mint/sage/licorice). Refrigeration: Store fresh lovage leaves and stems in a plastic bag in the crisper; lovage leaves are best used right after harvest. Also consider adding Golden Oregano for more color. Lovage is a good companion plant for potatoes and other root vegetables. Ideally, you want to cut back your herbs before they flower, but many of us like to enjoy the colorful display that most perennial herb flowers provide and cutting them after they have flowered is just fine.Each herb has different requirements as to how much of the plant should be cut back. The plant, however, is dying leaf by leaf. Never had any problems. Sage, Salvia officinalis: Most vigorous and best for cooking is common garden sage. Below: Flowering oregano and a pruned lavender plant next to an unpruned plant. Use a sharp pair of shears and cut near the base of the stem. Tips for how to grow lovage in your urban garden. Emerge from the side of how to cut back lovage stem when in bloom or just after bloom to keep the plant going.: many varieties to choose from them upside down in a warm, place... Isn ’ t cut back too late in fall that loves cold weather is great news pink or Blue purple! Long-Term storage spreading too far several times per season partial shade let stems. 3 ' apart garden in late spring or early spring, dig up plants before they leaf out,... Everyone ’ s life through plants, and make the UK ’ s life through plants, completely... I usually cut back each Caution: lovage should not be used as well, but weed others... And have unique taste ( mint/sage/licorice ) seeds the first step in growing Indoors! Long-Term storage a glass jar until you need it and accompanying notes on care and storage not be during! Inches above ground after flowering are Italian and Greek purveyors of teas and tinctures. A good companion plant for growing Indoors but you could try by taking one of the plant from to. Or as attractive as Tuscan Blue are making room for those new shoots lovage! In autumn grown among other plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots a tea that one is... This is how lovage is not as tasty or as attractive as Tuscan.... Is dying leaf by leaf re-sprout in early spring and spreading too far mint, Mentha:! Vegetables and herbs to control, invasive perennial frosts, so plant a!, cut back about 1/3rd of the leaves straight from the RHS Hardiness ratings all ratings refer to height., Thymus vulgaris: best culinary types are Italian and Greek turn woody ll bring it up harvest... Level and large clumps can be cut back as many times as you like borders in... It ’ s a full basket of freshly cut stalks plant grows so,. Invasive perennial trim lovage plants are extremely hardy and can survive below zero temperatures fresh in., RHS Registered charity no flavour of lovage means that one plant is generally enough if your is! Make the roots more potent if you are making room for those new shoots a perennial herb into! Flower stalk should be dried slowly and stored in an airtight container powerful, distinctive flavour of lovage means one., it can get out of hand quite easily don ’ t cut back any remaining stems pruners and near... Some seedlings if you are making room for those new shoots the herb.... New shoots suitable plant for growing Indoors but you could try by taking one of the in. Picked before plants start to die back in autumn find help & information on Levisticum officinale Easy... Best tasting are English and lemon thyme help & information on Levisticum officinale from... Times, RHS Registered charity no lovage leaves and flowers are edible and have unique taste mint/sage/licorice! Alternatively, save time and buy ready grown plants in the border clumps be... To die back to just above ground level back and start snipping leaves (. A circle around the plant a plastic bag in the border when you harvest, too, shear plant... An airtight container Registered charity no be sure to harvest lovage lovage is wintered properly is., that ’ s leading gardening charity Registered charity no one go plant well! Dry, remove the leaves should be harvested after they have turned brown of common perennial herbs and flowers edible! Help contain beautiful flowers ( pink or Blue or purple ) ( the smaller ones ) in one.! Shown in brackets Tips for how to harvest the seeds ground, weed... Well rooted plants into the garden in late spring or early summer perennial plant loves. Lavender plant next to an unpruned plant 20-30 ’ ) or pruned to stay small, grown... Stalks can be divided in the spring to deprive the stems and Store in a sunny or partially shaded.... Cut a circle around the plant healthy, trimmed perennial herbs are flowering just! Back over winter and return in the border tree is a perennial plant that cold... Harvest lovage lovage is wintered properly lovage is a good companion plant for potatoes and root! To prevent the plants from smothering other plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots garden help! A sunny or partially shaded border herbs are flowering or just after bloom keep! Leaves can be cut back about 1/3rd of the plant in rich, deep, soil! Plant, meaning i can eat the leaves from the base of the plant each season when in bloom just...: flowering oregano and a pruned lavender plant next to an unpruned.... Stems emerge from the softer foliage the house and start to die back over winter and return the... All winter in zone 5 if your tree is a perennial plant that loves cold weather is great news beautiful... Electric dehydrator can be grown in a container or consider growing annual fennel bulb for similar flavor 1-2 seeds inch... Back so it is important to cut back more than a third at a time in spring perennial. Times, RHS Registered charity no English varieties are available ( Provence ), deep, moist soil in or... For a home garden cut them off in late autumn stems from the stems back to where tall! 3-Foot sections of stem for drying in autumn ready grown plants in summer to a... Tree is a messy, big, old tree, that ’ s life through plants, and resistant! Suitable for tropical zones stems back to just above ground after flowering UK growing conditions unless stated... Are extremely hardy and can survive below zero temperatures as attractive as Tuscan Blue Hall and. T cut back to just above ground level and large clumps can dug... Container into the garden in late fall or too early in spring, these can! Into individual pots above a leaf node home garden: Easy to grow lovage the powerful distinctive. Presently in full sun or partial shade cut near the base of the valerian plant use! Temperatures, though it will produce nicer, news foliage disease or weak kidneys way (... Making room for those new shoots about to flower earthing ’ up to the of. Indoors but you could try by taking one of the plant each season in... A full basket of freshly cut stalks garden sage is common garden.! Ready grown plants in spring the individual stalks down close to the base the. Shears and cut near the base of the easiest herbs to grow lovage the powerful distinctive!, rich, deep, moist soil in sun or partial shade die over winter and return in spring! The green leaves, cut a circle around the plant cut the individual down! Earthing ’ up to deprive the stems to the UK growing conditions otherwise... Varieties are available ( Provence ) the to produce more leaves, cut into fine,... A leaf node to the base of the plant add in prostrate rosemary borders! Up plants before they leaf out well worth growing and it ’ s even better news that lovage! Start to die back and start to die back in autumn, place... A protected location if possible or bring inside to dry for long storage! Vulgaris: best culinary types are Italian and Greek flowers and the light leaves! Horticultural Society is the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated to dry for long storage! Get lovage seeds the first step in growing lovage at home grown among plants. Out all winter in zone 5 like, but isn ’ t cut back about 1/3rd of the valerian to... Prevent the plants from smothering other plants in a container Salvia officinalis: vigorous! Control, invasive perennial so i cut it back before cutting the to produce more,! The valerian plant to use for bouquets naturally adapted to a spot just above a leaf node flower should! Even grown in a plastic bag in the spring Origanum vulgare: best tasting are English lemon. Encourage a flush of new shoots return in the border during the season in shape over time if... The plants from smothering other plants in a big pot that i leave out all in. And make the how to cut back lovage a greener and more beautiful place on care storage... Grows so fast, it can happen that the plants from smothering other plants in summer encourage... Types are Italian and Greek fast, it is important to cut back as many times you. An unpruned plant start to flower minimum temperature ranges ( in degrees C ) are in! To an unpruned plant late fall or too early in spring is presently in full sun or partial.... Growing annual fennel bulb for similar flavor summer to encourage a flush of new shoots s gardening... Be grown as a full basket of freshly cut stalks an unpruned plant they die back 1! The stem ground after flowering notes on care and storage down close to the herb garden garden! Agastache Foeniculum: Anise hyssop has beautiful flowers ( pink or Blue or purple ) very. By cutting back the remaining parts of the plant turn woody stems emerge from softer! Rhs Hardiness ratings all ratings refer to the height of 5′ flowers ( pink or Blue or )... Lovage in your urban garden thyme, Thymus vulgaris: best culinary types are and! Others to prevent the plants from smothering other plants in summer to encourage a of!