Herb · Apiaceae family · with preparation per the EMA
lovage
Levisticum officinale
In short a 10-second read
Lovage (herb) grows to 0.9–1.8 m tall and 0.6–1 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in May–June; the flowers are yellow or green. Sow in March–April. Plant out in March–April. Hardy to −31 °C.
× spread 0.6–1 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −31 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, clay, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–June · yellow or green
Pruning
cut back by a third (March); harvest regularly (April–August)
Sowing
sow indoors: March–April
Planting out
division: March–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −31 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −31 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does lovage flower?
In May–June; the flowers are yellow or green.
When do I sow lovage?
In March–April (sow indoors).
Does lovage tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does lovage need?
At maturity 0.6–1 m wide and 0.9–1.8 m tall; recommended spacing 45 cm.
Does lovage survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −31 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (9)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow lovage
- Wikidata (CC0) — Levisticum officinale
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Levisticum officinale
- EMA/HMPC - Levistici radix (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - European Union herbal monograph, Levistici radix
- RHS - Levisticum officinale
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
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Preparation and use · lovage
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: root
For: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2–3 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 4–6 g a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- Use for no more than 2–4 weeks. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2–3 g of dried root in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 2× a day.
EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: root | 2–3 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 2× a day · 4–6 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | at most 2–4 weeks EMA 4.2 | |
| Adults only EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
Use for no more than 2–4 weeks. EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Adults only EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae) EMA 4.3
- If allergic to anethole EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine occur, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor. EMA 4.2