Description

Levisticum officinale

A fantastic edible, perennial landscape plant! Seeds, leaves and young stalks have a flavor similar to celery but more complex, with hints of anise, earning lovage the nickname “false celery” or “mountain celery.” It is quite commonly grown and used in cooking in Europe, but is lesser known in the United States. The flavor works well with many foods, from spring salads, to soups, to poultry dishes. Lovage is known to have a range of medicinal properties as well. If allowed to flower, it attracts many beneficial pollinating insects.Direct seed in early spring or transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Lovage benefits from cold stratification. It will need full sun and well-draining soil. Water well to ensure good germination. Once germinated, lovage will need at least an inch of water per week. Typically grown for leaves and flowers. Perennial.