Lovage

Lovage - Levisticum officinale

Other Names: European lovage, Lavose, Sea parsley, Shemis.

Description
A hardy perennial which grows up to 7ft (2m) high. Small, yellow-green umbels appear in mid-late summer. On long stems are large, aromatic,deeply divided, glossy dark green leaves. Nearer the top they are smaller. The stem is hollow, green-red and branches near the top. The root is thick, scented and grey-brown.

Cultivation

Site: Prefers full sun/partial shade and rich, moist, well drained soil.
Propagation: Sow seeds in spring-late summer. Root division in spring/autumn.
General Care: Thin/transplant to 2ft (60cm) apart.
Harvest: Leaves (not the young central ones) as required. Young blanched stems in spring. Roots in second and third season before flowers appear. Seed when ripe.

Preserve: Freeze/dry leaves. Dry seeds and root.

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Site:	Prefers full sun/partial shade and rich, moist, well drained soil.
Propagation:	Sow seeds in spring-late summer. Root division in spring/autumn.
General Care:	Thin/transplant to 2ft (60cm) apart.
Harvest:	Leaves (not the young central ones) as required. Young blanched stems in spring. Roots in second and third season before flowers appear. Seed when ripe.