Levisticum officinaleLevisticum officinale

Levisticum officinale

Levisticum officinale

1. lovage
2. wild celery

1. lovage
2. wild celery

1. Levisticum officinale

1. Tracheophyta
2. Magnoliopsida

Apiaceae

1. leaves
2. stems
3. roots
4. seeds

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a robust, perennial herb with an intense, celery-like aroma, earning it the nickname 'Maggi herb'. Originally from the Mediterranean region, it is now found in many gardens. Its leaves, stems, roots, and seeds are edible and versatile. The plant reaches a height of up to 2 meters and prefers a sunny location with deep, humus-rich soil. Lovage is hardy, winter-proof, and easy to care for, but requires ample space. It is a valuable ingredient in soups, stews, and many savory dishes.

1. Tasksowing_indoor

   Label

   Start pre-culture

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionfrost_free_indoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow seeds in pots or seed trays and keep warm.

1. Tasksowing_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sowing outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionsoil_warmed_up

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow seeds directly into the prepared bed, about 1-2 cm deep.

2. Taskplanting_out

   Label

   Plant out seedlings

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionafter_last_frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Transplant pre-cultured plants outdoors with sufficient spacing.

3. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest first leaves

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionplant_established

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest young, tender leaves for fresh consumption.

1. Taskplanting_out

   Label

   Plant out seedlings

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionafter_last_frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Transplant pre-cultured plants outdoors with sufficient spacing.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Regular leaf harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditionleaves_available

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage further growth.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Regular leaf harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditionleaves_available

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage further growth.

2. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water sufficiently

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during dry spells.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Regular leaf harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditionleaves_available

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage further growth.

2. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water sufficiently

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during dry spells.

3. Taskseed_collection

   Label

   Harvest seeds

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   Conditionseeds_ripe

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest seed heads when seeds are brown and dry.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Regular leaf harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditionleaves_available

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage further growth.

2. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water sufficiently

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during dry spells.

3. Taskseed_collection

   Label

   Harvest seeds

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   Conditionseeds_ripe

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest seed heads when seeds are brown and dry.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest leaves and roots

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10

   Conditionplant_mature

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Roots can be harvested from the second year onwards.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest last leaves and roots

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10

   Conditionbefore_winter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest the last leaves and roots before winter.

2. Taskmaintenance

   Label

   Cut back plant

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionafter_harvest

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Cut back stems after harvest or before winter.

1. Taskwinter_care

   Label

   Apply winter protection

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 11

   Conditionbefore_first_frost

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Protect the root area with a layer of mulch or leaves.

Full sun to partial shade

Sheltered

Flat to slight slope

South, West

Deep, rich in humus, loamy

High

Good

Loose, crumbly

Prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soils.

Water regularly, especially during dry periods and for young plants. Avoid waterlogging.

Well-rotted compost or organic all-purpose fertilizer.

Annually in spring.

Lovage is a medium feeder and benefits from good nutrient supply.

Lovage requires ample space and should not be planted too densely. Good as a background plant in the herb bed.

1. too dry a site
2. overcrowded clumps
3. early yellowing under stress

Check water, site, nutrition, and pest pressure first.

1. Aphids (rare)
2. Spider mites (rare)

1. Root rot (with waterlogging)
2. Fungal diseases (rare)

1. Choose a site with ample space and good air circulation.
2. Keep soil deep, rich in humus, and well-drained.
3. Ensure consistent soil moisture, avoid waterlogging.
4. Annual application of compost to strengthen the plant.

Lovage is a very robust plant and rarely affected by serious problems. Most issues are due to unfavorable site conditions.

1. Slugroot_rot

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. Poor soil drainage

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Stem base

   Prevention

   1. Ensure good soil drainage
   2. Avoid overwatering

   Organic control

   1. Improve drainage
   2. Remove affected plant parts
2. Slugpowdery_mildew

   Severitylow

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Poor air circulation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Ensure sufficient plant spacing
   2. Promote good air circulation

   Organic control

   1. Remove affected leaves
   2. Apply plant strengtheners (e.g., horsetail extract)

1. Symptom

   Wilting leaves despite moist soil

   Possible causes

   1. root_rot

   First checks

   1. Check soil for waterlogging
   2. Examine roots for rot
2. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. powdery_mildew

   First checks

   1. Check air circulation
   2. Control plant spacing
3. Symptom

   Yellow leaves, stunted growth

   Possible causes

   1. nutrient_deficiency
   2. water_stress

   First checks

   1. Perform soil analysis
   2. Adjust watering habits

1. Germination
2. Vegetative Growth
3. Flowering
4. Seed Maturation
5. Dormancy

As a perennial plant, lovage undergoes these cycles annually, with vegetative growth starting in spring and continuing until autumn.

July to August

Small, yellowish-green flowers arranged in compound umbels, typical for the Apiaceae family.

1. Leaves
2. Stems
3. Roots
4. Seeds

Leaves and young stems: Spring to autumn (continuously). Roots: Autumn (after leaves die back) or early spring (before new growth). Seeds: Late summer, when ripe and dry.

For leaf harvest, cut outer leaves to encourage regrowth. Harvest roots only from the second year onwards.

Leaves: continuously as needed. Roots: once a year or every few years. Seeds: once a year.

1. Leaves: young and tender for fresh use, older ones for soups and stews.
2. Roots: plant is established and dormant.
3. Seeds: brown, dry, and easily detached from the umbels.

Wash and dry leaves and stems. Clean roots thoroughly. Separate seeds from umbels and dry completely.

1. Fresh (refrigerator)
2. Drying
3. Freezing
4. Pickling (roots)

Fresh leaves: in a damp cloth in the refrigerator. Dried parts: airtight, dark, and cool. Frozen parts: in freezer bags or containers. Roots: cool, dark, and slightly moist (e.g., in sand).

Herb storage (fresh, dried, frozen)

Fresh leaves: 3-5 days. Dried leaves/seeds: 6-12 months. Frozen leaves: up to 12 months. Fresh roots: several weeks to months. Dried roots: 1-2 years.

1. Drying (leaves, seeds, roots)
2. Freezing (leaves)
3. Making herbal oils or vinegars
4. Root powder
5. Tinctures

Chop fresh leaves and stems and add to soups, stews, or salads. Use dried leaves and seeds as a spice. Peel, dry, and grind roots into powder or slice them.

Roots and seeds can be used for teas or tinctures, which are believed to have diuretic and digestive properties.

Intensely savory, celery-like, slightly bitter, earthy, with a hint of yeast extract (often called 'Maggi herb').

1. Soups (especially meat and vegetable soups)
2. Stews
3. Broths
4. Sauces
5. Salads (sparingly)
6. Potato dishes
7. Meat and fish dishes
8. Herbal quark

Use sparingly due to its strong aroma. Lovage should be added towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.

1. leaves
2. stems
3. roots
4. seeds

In large quantities, furocoumarins in lovage can cause phototoxic reactions (skin sensitivity to sunlight) in sensitive individuals. Pregnant women and individuals with kidney problems should avoid consumption or consult a doctor.

Young leaves and tender stems can be consumed raw in small quantities, e.g., in salads or herbal quark. Older leaves have a more intense flavor and are usually cooked.

For pure seeds, an isolation distance of at least 500 meters from other lovage plants (Levisticum officinale) or other potentially cross-pollinating Apiaceae is recommended. In a home garden, this is often not practical, but usually sufficient for personal use.

Harvest seed heads when the seeds are fully mature, brown, and dry, typically in late summer. Cut the umbels and allow them to dry further in a airy, dry place. Then strip the seeds from the umbels.

Separate the dried seeds from stem debris and chaff. This can be done by rubbing and winnowing/sieving.

Store dry, cool, and dark, ideally in airtight containers. A temperature of 5-10°C (41-50°F) and humidity below 50% are optimal.

Yes, especially for older seeds, to check viability.

Lovage is a cold germinator; seeds often require a cold stratification period to promote germination, even when freshly harvested.

Lovage is not a woody plant, therefore these fields are not applicable.

The flowers provide nectar and pollen for a variety of insects, especially bees and hoverflies. The plant itself offers little shelter or food for birds or mammals.