Loveliness, Mountain Celery: sowing, planting, growing

Description and Botany

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Lovage (Levisticum officinale), also known as Mountain celery or Perpetual celery, is a large herbaceous perennial aromatic, culinary, and medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae), like carrot, fennel, and many other aromatic plants like parsley, etc. It is part of the so-called “perpetual” vegetables.

It is also nicknamed Maggi tree or “Maggi herb” because its leaves have a flavour similar to that of Maggi stock cubes created in 1887. It can be found wild in the Alps, the Pyrenees, Central and Southern Europe, extending to Iran. Only the type species, Levisticum officinale, is cultivated; it should not be confused with Apium graveolens, the celeriac or turnip celery from our vegetable gardens, which is a biennial species.

On a long, fleshy taproot, Lovage forms rounded clumps that can reach 2 metres in height. Thick, upright basal rosettes give rise to thick, cylindrical, hollow, and channelled stems. Rather slow to establish, it will take at least three years to reach its full size.

The highly branched stems bear deciduous foliage that disappears in winter and reappears in spring. The slightly yellowish green, glossy leaves are borne on long petioles that are slightly grooved and divided into large dentate leaflets. They are broad and measure 40 to 70 cm long. Aromatic, they resemble celery, its cousin, in shape, smell, and taste.

In the second year, lovage produces flower spikes in summer. Large leafy stems are topped with rounded yellow umbels. The small flowers are grouped in 12 to 20 umbellules, which are themselves gathered into umbels 15 cm in diameter. At the end of the season, they transform into small aromatic, oval fruits, measuring 5 to 7 mm. Initially bright green, these edible seeds turn brown at maturity. They can be harvested and dried to flavour dishes.

Lovage: leaves, flowers, and seeds

The entire plant exudes a celery scent.

Hardy, it is cultivated as an aromatic and culinary plant in all our gardens. It is essential in the vegetable garden or herb garden alongside its aromatic cousins.
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Main species and varieties

Our lovage in pots

Levisticum officinale

A perennial with large leaves that is very easy to grow as long as it is planted in cool, rich, well-drained soil. All parts of the plant are used in cooking!

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Our lovage seeds

Lovage - Levisticum officinalis - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Sow in August, plant from March to April to harvest from January to October! You will use its leaves and seeds as a seasoning in soups, stews, and marinades.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the full description

Sowing and planting of lovage

Where to Plant It?

A montane plant, Levisticum officinale is hardy down to -15°C. It is easy to grow and readily self-seeds wherever it pleases. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, in slightly calcareous soil that remains cool in very sunny conditions, rich in humus, and well-drained.

Lovage will prefer a partially shaded spot in our warmest regions. Provide it with a sheltered location away from strong winds that could break its hollow stems. Before planting, keep in mind that it will remain in place for many years! Give it enough space from neighbouring plants as its height may cast shade on them. Pot cultivation is not recommended as its strong roots require rich, deep soil.

It is essential in the vegetable garden, particularly in herb borders where it attracts pollinating insects. With its ample vigorous foliage and beautiful yellow flower umbels, it also fits well in natural gardens, at the back of herbaceous borders and in lush mixed borders, adding height and lightness. Its imposing, decorative silhouette also makes it stunning as a standalone plant.

When to Sow and Plant Lovage?

Sowing typically occurs in a nursery or pot in August. Planting takes place in spring from March to April, for a harvest from January to October. Direct sowing in situ is possible from March to June. Our young plants in pots of Lovage or Mountain Celery can be installed in spring or autumn, once the risk of frost has passed.

How to Sow Lovage Seeds?

Sowing Under Shelter

1. Sow directly in pots indoors or in a heated shelter at a temperature of 16 to 21°C
2. Sow 1 to 2 seeds of perpetual celery in potting soil
3. Keep moist during germination, which usually takes between 10 and 21 days
4. Thin out to retain only the strongest plants
5. When they reach the four-leaf stage, transplant if necessary into small pots, one plant per pot
6. Keep the plants protected from frost (indoors, conservatory, cold greenhouse, under cloches)
7. Transplant to the garden the following spring when they reach 15 to 20 cm in height
8. Maintain a distance of 40 to 60 cm between each plant

Our Advice: Sow in tall pots or “root trainer” types that will allow the long root of lovage to develop properly. Follow our tips for successful herb sowing!

Direct Sowing in Place

Prepare the soil well to a good depth and enrich it with compost, lightening it with river sand for drainage if necessary.

1. Sow in clusters of 4-5 seeds every 40-50 cm in rows spaced 60 cm apart
2. Cover the seeds with potting soil and then firm down with the back of a rake
3. Water gently and keep moist for about twenty days until germination
4. Thin out to keep only one plant every 50 cm or so

By Planting

1 to 3 plants per m² of Lovage is ample for family consumption. They should be planted in warmed and well-prepared soil.

1. Dig a hole three times the volume of the root ball
2. Add compost to the bottom of the hole
3. Position the root ball in the centre without burying the collar
4. Backfill
5. Water
6. Mulch

Maintenance of lovage

Lovage is a very low-maintenance aromatic plant. It enjoys soil that remains moist, especially when placed in sunlight: provide it with regular watering if the weather is dry. Monitor watering during the weeks following planting. Mulch the base in spring to keep the soil cool and reduce the need for watering.

Remove flower spikes to encourage leaf development. Regularly cut back the umbels if you wish to prevent it from self-seeding, or allow it to flower to collect some seeds for your future sowing. In autumn, as soon as the foliage has yellowed, cut the clump back just above the soil. Add some compost.

Every three years, divide the clumps to ensure their longevity.

The plant is resistant to diseases. It also has repellent qualities: its scent deters many pests. Additionally, it stimulates the growth of certain neighbouring plants. It is possible that snails and slugs may attack the first leaves; fortunately, we provide our secrets for combating their damage.

Harvest, storage, use of lovage

When to Harvest Leaves, Stems, and Seeds

The leaves and stems of Lovage can be harvested as needed from January to October, throughout the growing season. However, they will be most tender just before flowering. You can blanch the plants to obtain less pronounced-tasting petioles and more flavourful leaves: surround the plant with straw or a kraft paper bag up to two-thirds of its height.

The seeds are harvested after flowering, in autumn when they are fully ripe and turning brown. Shake the stems over a sheet of newspaper to collect them and dry them in a sunny, dry place.

The starch-rich roots are harvested from plants that have been established for at least three years.

Storage

The leaves of Lovage can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator or placed in a glass of water. They can be dried or even frozen: after air-drying in the shade, store them in airtight containers. The stems will keep for a few days wrapped in cling film in the refrigerator or in a slightly damp “absorbent paper.” The seeds can be stored for three years in glass jars or paper bags.

Uses and Benefits

Whether fresh or dried, the leaves of lovage are widely used in cooking to flavour soups, sauces, meats, stuffing, salads, and stews. Less commonly used here, it is an integral part of the cuisine in Eastern European countries, particularly Romania and Bulgaria, where it flavours lamb dishes. Due to its strong flavour, it should be used sparingly. The leaves are also used for hot or cold infusions. Its spicy seeds are used as a food condiment to enhance vegetables, bread, and marinades. Fresh stems can be added to tomato or vegetable juices. They can also be candied in sugar syrup and enjoyed like angelica.

The roots can flavour vegetable broth and can replace pepper.

The seeds, leaves, and roots of lovage possess medicinal properties that are digestive, diuretic, stomachic, depurative, antiseptic, and stimulating for the intestines and kidneys, and even sedative. It is a plant used in phytotherapy. It is rich in vitamin C. In the Middle Ages, monks used it to treat boils and renal colic.

Multiplication

The multiplication of lovage is done by sowing (see above) with seeds that you have harvested, or you can choose from our seeds. It is also easy to multiply by division in spring. This operation is carried out on mature clumps that are at least 3 years old.

1. Dig up the clump using a spade
2. Divide it into several sections containing a few buds and roots
3. Replant immediately in the garden, after preparing the soil

Associate Mountain Celery with the garden

In companion planting, lovage pairs well with blackcurrants or peppers. In the herb garden, plant it alongside other aromatic plants such as common sage, sage, mint, angelica, or dill. Placed at the edge of the vegetable garden, it is particularly interesting as it may enhance the flavour of certain vegetables.

An example of association with other aromatic plants: lovage, common sage, sorrel-spinach, oregano (marjoram), and chives

In the ornamental garden, in a natural border, it can, why not, be planted at the back of the border, associated with summer perennials with strong growth such as angelica or lady’s mantle. In a yellow-toned border, it will be alongside yarrow, dyeing chamomiles, or Helenium.

For more inspiration, check out our guide “Aromatic Plants: 5 Great Ways to Integrate Them into the Garden”!