Lovage (Levistucum officinale) is a perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia, known for its strong, aromatic flavor that combines elements of celery, anise, and parsley. Often used in culinary dishes, medicinal remedies, and as a fragrant garden plant, Lovage is a versatile herb that enhances any garden with its tall, sturdy growth and aromatic leaves. The plant produces yellow-green flowers that attract pollinators and adds a unique flavor to soups, salads, sauces, and teas. This packet contains 50 seeds, giving you the opportunity to grow this hardy, flavorful herb in your own garden.

Key Features:

• Culinary Uses: Lovage has a flavor similar to celery with a subtle aniseed undertone, making it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes. Use the leaves, stems, and seeds in cooking for flavoring soups, stews, salads, and more.
• Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally, Lovage has been used in herbal medicine for digestive issues, urinary health, and as an anti-inflammatory. It has a long history of use as a natural remedy for conditions like bloating and indigestion.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The small, yellow-green flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator garden.
• Perennial Herb: Lovage is a hardy perennial that can grow year after year, providing fresh flavor and fragrance with minimal effort.
• Aromatic Foliage: The large, glossy leaves of Lovage offer a fragrant aroma, perfect for culinary use, herbal teas, or simply adding a pleasant scent to your garden.

Growing Information:

• Light: Lovage thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. For best growth and flavor, plant it in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil: It prefers rich, well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline to neutral in pH (6.5-7.5). The plant benefits from regular organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
  • Surface-sow the seeds, pressing them lightly into the soil, as they need light to germinate.
  • Space seeds or seedlings about 12-18 inches apart to allow the plants to mature and spread.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination process, which typically takes 14-28 days.
  • Once established, Lovage is quite hardy and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, but regular watering will help it thrive.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Once established, Lovage can tolerate some drought.

Benefits:

• Culinary Herb: The strong, celery-like flavor of Lovage makes it a versatile herb for cooking, adding depth to soups, stews, sauces, and salads. The leaves, stems, and seeds are all edible and offer a refreshing, herbal taste.
• Medicinal Uses: Lovage has been used for centuries to support digestion, relieve bloating, and aid in detoxification. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as a remedy for various digestive and urinary issues.
• Pollinator Attraction: The plant’s small, yellow-green flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support biodiversity in your garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Lovage requires little maintenance. It’s a perennial that will come back year after year, and it thrives with minimal care.
• Aromatic Foliage: The fragrant leaves make a wonderful addition to herb gardens, and the plant's pleasant scent can be used in homemade sachets, teas, and natural remedies.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. Lovage is a hardy herb that can tolerate both cold and warm climates, making it a versatile addition to many gardens.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Plant Lovage as part of an herb garden, where you can easily harvest its leaves, stems, and seeds for culinary use.
• Pollinator Gardens: The flowers are attractive to pollinators, making Lovage a great choice for a garden designed to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Vegetable Gardens: Lovage pairs well with other vegetables and herbs, enhancing the flavor of dishes made from your garden’s bounty.
• Aromatic Borders: Due to its fragrant foliage, Lovage can be planted along borders or walkways, where its scent can be enjoyed while passing by.

Conclusion: Lovage (Levistucum officinale) is a unique and versatile herb that offers both culinary and medicinal benefits. With its celery-like flavor and aromatic leaves, it enhances a wide variety of dishes and herbal remedies. As a perennial, it will continue to provide flavor and fragrance year after year, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden. Whether you're using it in the kitchen, as a pollinator plant, or for its medicinal properties, Lovage is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance herb that is sure to thrive in your garden. With 50 seeds in this packet, you can start cultivating this beneficial herb and enjoy its many uses and beauty in your garden.