Lovage lovage Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a vigorous, long-lived perennial herb with a bold celery-like, slightly spicy flavor. It forms a tall clump of hollow stems and glossy, aromatic leaves, and produces large umbels of yellow-green flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. Leaves and stems are harvested fresh for soups, stocks, and salads; seeds and roots are also edible. It is very winter-hardy and reliable across most of Sweden, returning each spring. In fertile, moist soil it can reach 150–250 cm. Allow space and consider staking in windy sites. Growing conditions LightFull sun to partial shade; 5–8 hours of sun is ideal. Tolerates light shade in hot or dry sites. Soil typeDeep, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained loam enriched with compost. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Water requirementModerate and even moisture; do not let the soil dry out completely. Mulch to conserve water. Nutrient requirementModerate to high. Feed with compost in spring and a light organic boost mid-season if harvesting heavily. Back to plant list
