How to grow Lovage in New Zealand
Lovage is a tall, hardy perennial herb with glossy leaves that taste strongly of celery, used fresh and sparingly in soups, stews, sauces and salads. One plant is usually plenty for a household. It dies down each winter and returns in spring, and does best in cooler districts with rich, moist soil.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Lovage in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to April | Plant Aug to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Where to plant
Lovage likes rich, deep, moist soil and grows in sun or part shade. Mulch it well to keep the roots moist, and give it room, as a mature clump can reach 2 m when it flowers. As a long-lived perennial, it suits a permanent corner of the herb or vegetable garden.
It does best in cooler districts. In the warm, humid north it grows well through the cooler months and appreciates some afternoon shade and steady water in summer.
- North Island and Nelson and Marlborough: sow or plant from August to October or January to April.
- Canterbury: plant from August to April so roots establish before the hard frosts.
- Otago and Southland: plant from September to April. Central Otago: plant from September to March, so roots establish before the hard frosts.
How to plant
- Sow seed in spring in trays or direct in the bed, covering it lightly, and keep it moist.
- When seedlings are about 8 cm tall, plant them out about 45 to 60 cm apart.
- Water in well and mulch thickly to keep the soil moist.
- Feed young plants with a liquid fertiliser once they are growing.
Watering and feeding
Keep lovage well watered, especially in dry weather; dry plants turn coarse and bitter. A thick mulch helps hold moisture.
Feed in spring as new growth starts with compost or a balanced fertiliser.
Pruning and care through the year
- Cut the plant back hard in summer to bring on a flush of fresh, tender leaves.
- Remove flower stems if you do not want seed, or let a few flower for the beneficial insects they attract.
- Plants die down each winter and re-emerge in spring. Divide old clumps in spring every few years.
Harvesting
Pick young leaves and tender stems from spring onwards, before the plant flowers, when the flavour is best. Older growth is coarse and very strong, so use it sparingly. The stems can be used like celery, and the seeds, harvested just before they fall, go into bread and scones.
Dry leaves on racks in a warm, shady place and store them in an airtight jar, or freeze chopped leaves in ice cube trays. Fresh leaves keep about a week in a damp cloth in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Lovage will grow in a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep in good potting mix, but it needs plenty of water and is happiest in the ground. Give it sun in spring and afternoon shade in summer.
Varieties
- Common Lovage
Companion planting
Lovage is traditionally grown near vegetables, and its flowers bring in beneficial insects.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Lovage has few problems. Leaf miners and slugs on spring shoots are the main nuisances.
Pests to watch for
- Leaf miner Pale, winding tunnels and blotches in the leaves; pick off affected leaves.
- Slugs New spring shoots chewed as they emerge.
Lovage is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
What does lovage taste like?
Like a strong celery with a hint of parsley. The Dutch call it the maggi plant. Use it sparingly in soups, stews, stocks and salads.
Why has my lovage disappeared?
Lovage dies down each winter and re-emerges in spring. Mark where it is so you do not dig it up.
How tall does lovage grow?
The leafy clump is usually under a metre, but flowering stems reach 1 to 2 m. Allow 45 to 60 cm around it.
Does lovage grow in the north?
Yes, but it prefers cooler conditions. In Northland and Auckland give it rich, moist soil, afternoon shade and steady water through summer.
Can I use lovage seeds and stems?
Yes. The stems can be used like celery or candied, and the seeds add a celery flavour to breads and scones.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow lovage; Herb Federation of New Zealand: Lovage.