Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb that has a long history of cultivation, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It is native to the Mediterranean region and southern Europe but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. The plant has a strong celery-like flavor with hints of anise and parsley and is commonly used in cooking and as a medicinal herb.
**History of Cultivation:**
The lovage plant was highly valued by the Romans for its culinary and medicinal properties. They introduced it to the British Isles, where it became a staple in medieval gardens. It was widely used in the Middle Ages to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. The herb's popularity grew during the Renaissance, and it was often cultivated in physic gardens, which were gardens dedicated to the study of medicinal plants. In the 16th century, it was introduced to North America by European settlers.
**How to Sow and Grow Lovage:**
Lovage is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It is best to sow seeds directly into the garden in the spring after the last frost date or start them indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost and transplant the seedlings when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall. Here are the steps to sow and grow lovage:
1. **Prepare the soil:** Work organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Remove any weeds or rocks to ensure good drainage.
2. **Sow seeds:** Plant seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep and water well. Keep the soil moist but not soaked.
3. **Germination:** Germination typically takes 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 24 inches apart to allow for mature plant growth.
4. **Care:** Water regularly during dry spells and mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. **Fertilizing:** Feed the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring.
6. **Pruning:** In the first year, cut back the stems to encourage bushy growth. After that, remove any dead or damaged foliage.
7. **Harvesting:** You can start harvesting lovage leaves in the second year of growth. Cut the stems close to the ground, and use fresh or dry them for later use. The roots can also be harvested in the fall of the second year.
**Uses of Lovage:**
Lovage has various uses in the culinary and medicinal world:
- **Culinary:** The leaves, stems, and roots are all edible. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and added to soups, stews, salads, and sauces. The stems can be used like celery, and the seeds can be used as a substitute for fennel or caraway seeds in bread and baked goods. The roots can be roasted and used as a flavoring in soups or stews.
- **Medicinal:** Historically, lovage has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, flatulence, colic, and kidney problems. It is also believed to have diuretic properties and may help with water retention.
- **Herbal teas:** The leaves and seeds can be used to make a soothing tea that is said to aid digestion and ease respiratory issues.
- **Essential oil:** The leaves and seeds can be distilled to produce a fragrant essential oil used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
- **Insect repellent:** The strong scent of lovage can deter insects and pests from the garden.
**Cultivation Tips:**
- Lovage can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, so it's important to give it plenty of space in the garden.
- It can be propagated by seeds, division of mature plants, or root cuttings taken in the fall.
- The plant is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to slugs and snails.
- It is a good idea to stake tall plants to prevent them from falling over in windy conditions.
- Once established, lovage is quite drought-tolerant.
- The herb thrives in zones 3 through 8.
In summary, lovage is a versatile and easy-to-grow perennial herb with a rich history of use in cooking and herbal medicine. It's a great addition to any garden for both its culinary and ornamental value.