Lovage

Lovage can be sown in spring, either in pots or directly into its final position in the garden. The seeds are relatively large, and the resulting plants quickly become substantial, so allow plenty of space from the outset. If sowing into pots, it’s best to sow just one or two seeds per pot to avoid overcrowding.

Sow seeds around 1–2cm deep into moist compost and keep them evenly watered. Germination is usually reliable, though it can take a couple of weeks, particularly in cooler conditions. Once seedlings have reached around 10cm in height, thin or transplant them into their final position, allowing a spacing of approximately 60cm between plants.

Lovage is a large, long-lived herbaceous perennial that can reach 6–7 feet tall when mature. It thrives in rich, fertile, compost-fed soil and appreciates regular moisture, especially during dry spells. While it prefers full sun, it also grows happily in partial shade, particularly in warmer sites.

Once established it requires little maintenance beyond occasional feeding and watering, and plants will die back over winter before re-emerging vigorously in spring.

Think of lovage as an aromatic carminative herb that supports the natural functions of digestion. It spicy-bitter notes make it helpful for digesting fatty and rich meals. A few leaves or seeds added to a meal or added to a tea help with gripes – and banishes gurgling and grumbling! Its warming, aromatic compounds also help to keep the airways clean as they help to open the lungs. Like other members of the Apiaceae family, such as celery seed or carrot seed, it is an effective diuretic helping the flow.

It is very similar in use as a renowned Chinese herb, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii). Classified as pungent and warm, it enters the Liver, Pericardium and Gall bladder meridians, and is classified in the ‘Move Blood and Qi’ categories.

Do be cautious when harvesting as the furanocoumarin content can cause photo sensitivity in susceptible individuals. This can cause a photodermatitis type rash. Picking a few leaves is fine but for any more robust gardening, wear gloves and cover your arms.

Use the leaves fresh. Just a few are needed as the taste is so strong.

Collect the seed at the end of the summer and use as you would fennel- in tea, curries or stews.

The root can be added to winter tonics by infusing in some brandy- perhaps with some spilanthes buzz buttons, elecampane and/or some ginger.

The root can be harvested at the end of the second year. Scrub it clean, slice into thin pieces and dry at 35C for 24-36 hours.

The roots makes a great addition to any ‘bath-tub’ gin recipe along with or a a replacement for the angelica root that is so often included in a classic gin.

Fresh and young lovage stems can be candied into a delicious digestive sweet-treat. Cut the best quality stems into 4cm pieces and simmer in a 50:50 sugar;water solution for 30minutes. Be very careful, simmering sugar solution is extremely hot. Then lie the lovage stems on a cooling-rack and allow to dry. Sprinkle with a little arrow root or corn starch and store in an airtight container.