Lovage is a long lived herbaceous perennial herb that grows up to 4-6 feet tall. The leaves are a grey green and architectural in appearance. Lovage flowers yellow in an ‘Umbel’ and the seeds that follow can also be eaten or used in bread or as a spice.
Lovage has a distinct aroma based on celery but with Indian spice notes. All parts of Lovage can be eaten and the stems can be used as you would celery, to which it is related, in soups, stews or as a roast vegetable. It also has medicinal properties.
A healthy Lovage (Levisticum officinale) plant can spread in a clump 3 feet wide and such a plant needs space perhaps at the back of a border. One plant can provide all the leaves and stems a family would need. If leaves are the main requirement give the plant the ‘Chelsea Chop’ and cut down flowering stems before they blossom so encouraging new leafy growth.
Grow Lovage from seed or divisions from an existing plant. They like water and space to grow and prefer a sunny position.
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