Worth knowing:
Lovage is a hardy, perennial herbaceous plant that reaches a growing height of 1 to 2.5 meters. The whole plant smells aromatic and its flavour reminds one of celery.
Natural Location:
Lovage is native to the Near and Middle East and originated probably in Iran or Afghanistan from where it spread through the Mediterranean into the rest of Europe.
Cultivation:
Propagation is ideally done starting from February at a sunny place indoors. Other than most herbs, Lovage germinates under dark and cool conditions. Place the seeds 1-2 cm deep into moist coconut substrate or organic herb substrate. Cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the soil from drying out, but don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every second or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on the potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm with a temperature between 20°C and 25° Celsius and keep the surface of the earth moist, but not wet (ideally using a water sprayer). Depending on the propagation temperature the first seedlings will come up after two to ten weeks. Seedlings that are already raised indoors can be planted out with beginning of May. As soon as there is no more night frost expected, you can move the seedling with its complete root ball, to avoid stress for the plant.
Place:
The plant needs the sun, warmth and a wind-sheltered place to produce its full aroma.
Care:
Keep the soil always moist, but not wet. Water your plant as soon as the top layer of the earth has dried out. Fertilize the plant either very modest with compost or organic fertilizer for herbs, or don’t fertilize at all.
During the winter:
Sow again the next year.
Picture credits:
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- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
