Organic 'Lovage' Lovage
Organic 'Lovage' lovage (Levisticum officinale) from the seed company Gaia, a robust aromatic perennial with a lemon celery scent
Lovage 'Lovage' is an extremely robust , heirloom perennial whose entire plant is edible . Its bright fragrance is reminiscent of lemon celery , with a fresh, herbaceous note. Rich in quercetin (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), vitamin C , and B vitamins , it is as valuable medicinally as it is in cooking. Its large, yellow umbels appear in late summer before going to seed, attracting numerous pollinators. Its greyish-brown roots with creamy flesh are also used in herbal medicine. Undemanding, it faithfully returns year after year and requires very little maintenance, making it an essential herb for herb gardens.
Companion plants : Parsley, Celery, Carrot, Chives, Leek, Fennel, Dill, Mint, Sage
Nefarious plants : — (simply avoid competition from very greedy plants)
Spread/Habit : Upright, vigorous clump
Plant height : 90 to 150 cm
Quantity per packet : 100 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : The entire plant is edible, rich in nutrients, with a celery-lemon flavor, nectar-rich umbels, and very robust
Leaf color : Bright green
Texture/flavor : Herbaceous, fresh, lemony, rich in aromatic oils
Cold tolerance : Down to -30°C
Farming method
Stratify the seeds for two weeks before sowing. Sow them 6 mm deep indoors 5 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Alternatively, sow directly in early spring when the soil temperature reaches 16°C (61°F) . Keep the soil moist until established, then transplant, spacing plants 90 cm ( 35 in) apart and rows 90-150 cm (35-60 in ). Plant in partial sun/half shade (level 2) and water moderately (level 2). Lovage prefers deep, cool, well-drained soil.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the young, tender leaves as needed. The stems can be cooked or used as a herb. For best quality, harvest stems and leaves in the morning , after the dew has evaporated. Young stems can be stored whole, while the leaves can be dried for long-term storage.
Usage ideas
• In broths or soups to replace or enrich celery
• As digestive herbal teas made from the leaves
• In sauces, dressings and marinades
• The stems, cooked gently, are used to flavor stews and vegetables.
• Seeds in breads, pickles or spice mixes
Lovage 'Lovage' is an indispensable perennial herb: aromatic, nutritious, robust, and incredibly versatile. A long-lasting ally for herb gardens and delicious kitchens.
