Lovage is a large, hardy perennial herb that tastes similar to celery. Its seeds are often used as seasonings, as well as its leaves. The stalks of lovage are sometimes cooked and eaten as a substitute for celery. The roots have been used as a diuretic and as a treatment for colic in folk medicine for hundreds of years. Pregnant women should never eat lovage; it can cause miscarriage.
Choose a spot in full sun and soil that is relatively rich and well drained. Lovage will not grow well in heavy clay soil.
Prepare the soil. Spread 1-inch of compost and 1-inch of peat moss on the surface of the soil. If you have heavy clay soil, double the amount of compost and peat moss. Turn the soil over with a spade to loosen it up and incorporate the compost and peat moss. Rake the planting bed smooth when finished.
Plant lovage seeds in fall. Plant the seeds about 6 inches apart and ½ inch deep. Firm the surface of the soil with your hand. Do not water or put down protective winter mulch. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in spring.
When the seedlings are about 4-inches high the following spring, transplant so they stand 2 to 3 feet apart. Water so the soil stays evenly moist but not wet.
Put down a 2-inch layer of hay or shredded leaves to keep weeds down and keep the soil evenly moist.
Cut the plant down to about 1-foot high in late fall and cover with a protective mulch that covers the plant by about one foot. Lovage is hardy but needs winter protection. Do not cut the plant all the way to the ground before winter; it needs some top growth to help ensure its winter survival.
Side dress lovage with compost in spring. Pull back the mulch and spread a 1-inch layer of compost around the plant. Replace mulch.