Lovage: The Mountain Celery with Intensely Aromatic Leaves
Levisticum officinale
Growing lovage or mountain celery: robust perennial with intense celery-like flavour. Partial shade, fertile soil, very hardy.
Characteristics
Lovage, also called mountain celery, is a robust large perennial herb with deeply cut leaves and an intense flavour like amplified celery. It grows vigorously in partial shade on fertile, moist soil, withstanding frost down to -20 °C. A traditional herb of medieval monastery gardens.
Flowering season
Practical tips
Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.
Prefers mezz'ombra: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.
Recommended soil: fertile umido. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.
Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.
Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.
