After flowering, allow the seed heads to mature and ripen if the seeds are required for harvest, but if not, cut off the faded flower heads as lovage can self-seed prolifically. Once growth has died back in autumn, cut back to ground level any time before spring.
How do you keep lovage?
Plant lovage in a part to full sun location. It does best in full sun, but it can tolerate a few hours of shade during the day, particularly in warmer growing zones. The soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5. It prefers sandy, loamy soil.
What do you do with lovage?
Lovage stalks, leaves, and seeds can all be used to impart its bright and fresh celery flavor. Add leaves to a mix of salad greens or let wilt in soups and stocks. Chop and use in place of parsley in chicken and tuna salad or a batch of fresh tomato salsa.
Is lovage an annual or perennial?
A hardy perennial with dark green shoots and a big, bold flavor — tastes like celery! Native to southern Europe and used for centuries, growing lovage (Levisticum officinale) is easy! The leaves, stems, roots and seeds of this old-time herb are all edible and taste a lot like celery, but stronger.
Is lovage a good companion plant?
Lovage has a reputation as a good companion plant for potatoes and other tubers and root crops. Food crops should be arranged in the vegetable garden to form the best alliances and make their growth better and healthier.
When should I prune lovage?
Trim plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots. Plants start to die back in autumn. At this time, cut stems back to just above ground level. Large clumps can be divided in spring.
Can you eat lovage flowers?
The seeds are edible too and have a wide range of uses, including in bread and savoury pastries, on salads and potatoes. All parts of the lovage plant are edible, including the roots, which can be harvested in winter when the plant is dormant.
Can you eat lovage raw?
Ancient Greeks and Romans commonly used the seeds, leaves, and roots in their cooking. Today, lovage is a favorite flavoring in Britain and southeastern Europe. It is eaten cooked or raw. The leaves are used in soups, stocks, flavored vinegars, pickles, stews, and salads.
Is lovage poisonous to dogs?
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Lovage has volatile oils, including phthalide lactones, and it’s a diuretic.
What part of lovage do you eat?
All parts of the plant can be used. The leaves can be chopped up and added to any dish you would use celery in including salads, soups, stews, frittatas, egg salad, and potato salad. The flavor is stronger than celery, so use it accordingly. If you like bloody Mary’s, the hollow stalk of the lovage is for you!
Can lovage survive winter?
Lovage is a hardy perennial that survives winter even in very cold climates.
What are the health benefits of lovage?
Lovage is probably best known as a digestive aid, relieving flatulence and other stomach discomfort. In addition to helping digestion, lovage was commonly used to strengthen the heart and as a respiratory aid. It was also useful as a diuretic, to treat kidney stones and as a blood purifier.
Can I freeze lovage?
Lovage can be used fresh or stored frozen in sealed bags or dried.
How do I get rid of lovage?
With a spade, cut a circle around the plant. Then the plant can be gently lifted out with a garden fork. Remove all excess dirt from the roots, and pull them apart.
What grows well with lovage?
Other good companions for lovage are herbs like parsley, hyssop, fennel, and even catnip. Or plant it with other perennial vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb for an established edible perennial bed.
Can you plant lovage with tomatoes?
Lovage enhances the flavor of potatoes, tomatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, chicken, and poultry stuffings. Use lovage leaves in soups, stews, and roasts.
What is lovage root used for?
Lovage is a plant. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. Lovage is used as “irrigation therapy” for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the lower urinary tract, for prevention of kidney stones, and to increase the flow of urine when urinary tract infections or fluid retention is present.
Can you use lovage stems?
The stems and roots can be boiled or sautéed as a vegetable, while the fragrant seeds are used as a spice. Lovage is plenty aromatic, with a flavor that mingles the taste of celery with parsley.
Do rabbits eat lovage?
Other Great Rabbit Herbs:
Sage. Lovage. Oregano. Basil.
How long do lovage seeds last?
Vegetable and Herb Seed Viability
| Seed | Viability in Years | Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Beet | 4 | Lovage |
| Borage | 1 – 4 | Marjoram |
| Broccoli | 3 – 5 | Melon |
| Brussels Sprouts | 4 | Mustard |
How do you freeze fresh lovage?
This is a great way to freeze lovage, sage, Italian parsley, and other large, flat-leaved herbs. To use, simply cut off a portion of the cigar, and return the rest to the freezer-bag and seal it tightly.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.