Lovage

Give Levisticum officinale a sunny position at the rear or side of an edible bed, where it can rise above low herbs without blocking a main path. A corner near the kitchen works well if there is room to approach the clump from more than one side for regular cutting. Its upright growth and tall flower stems also suit a mixed border, but keep it out of a tightly packed herb collection. A large, stable container can hold one plant, although in-ground planting leaves more room for its lasting clump.^[1][2]

Set plants 2½ feet apart, center to center. Each established clump can spread about 3 feet wide, so treat that spacing as a close planting distance rather than empty room for neighboring herbs. Leave a clear working edge beside the plant for harvesting and cutting back, and avoid placing it immediately in front of lower plantings that will be shaded by its tall growth.

Full sun suits lovage, especially where the soil can hold steady moisture through summer. Choose a deep, fertile site that drains well rather than a spot that stays waterlogged. Moderate watering is most useful while the plant is settling in and during dry weather; a mulch around, but not against, the crown helps keep the root zone from drying quickly.^[1][2]

New foliage is available from late spring into early fall, with flowering from late spring to early summer. Plan for the plant to occupy its full vertical space during the main growing season, then die back in autumn and return the following spring. Cut older foliage away after the season to keep the bed edge clear and make room for new growth.