Lovage
Levisticum officinale
Also known asSea parsley · Smallage (related species) · Smallage · Garden lovage · Liveche
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–8 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.7 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An easy, long-lived perennial herb that produces an enormous amount of harvestable leaf from a single plant. Large container (20 L; the root system is substantial) or media bed. EC 1.0-2.0 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 10–25°C (cool to moderate; cold-hardy to zone 3). Moderate light (DLI 12-18 mol/m2/day; tolerates partial shade). The plant emerges in early spring and grows rapidly to 1–2 m by midsummer. Harvest leaves throughout the growing season by cutting stems. The flavor is strongest in spring leaves and mellows as the plant matures. Use like celery in any recipe: soups, stews, stocks, potato salad, egg salad. A few chopped leaves in a green salad add celery depth. The hollow stems can be used as drinking straws for Bloody Marys (a traditional use). Seeds are used as a spice (similar to celery seed). In winter, the plant dies back to the ground and reemerges in spring. A single lovage plant in an aquaponics media bed provides a decade or more of celery-flavored herb production with minimal care.