Lovage Seeds (Levisticum officinale)

🌱 Lovage Seeds (Levisticum officinale)

💰 Price: Package of 400+- (1g) seeds

Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, is a tall, herbaceous perennial in the family Apiaceae and the sole species in the genus Levisticum. This plant can reach 1.8–2.5 meters (6–8 ft) in height, with a basal rosette of large, dark green leaves and upright stems adorned with further foliage. The leaves and stems are shiny, glabrous green to yellow-green, emitting a distinctive lime-like aroma when crushed 🌿.

The basal leaves are large, tripinnate, and can grow up to 70 cm (28 in) long, with broad triangular to rhomboidal leaflets featuring subtle marginal teeth. Stem leaves are smaller and less divided. Flowers are yellow to greenish-yellow, small (2–3 mm), and produced in globose umbels up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter in late spring 🌼. Fruits are dry, two-parted schizocarps, maturing in autumn and containing seeds used as a spice.

🌍 Origin and Distribution Lovage Seeds (Levisticum officinale)

Lovage is believed to be native to Europe and southwestern Asia, though exact range is disputed. It has been long cultivated throughout Europe, where the leaves, roots, and seeds are valued in culinary traditions. In southern European cuisine, leaves season soups and broths, roots are eaten as vegetables, and seeds are used like fennel seeds. Traditional beverages also include lovage cordial mixed with brandy 🍹, particularly in the UK. In Romania, lovage leaves are a staple for local broths, often preferred over parsley or dill.

🌱 Sowing and Care Instructions Lovage Seeds (Levisticum officinale)

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile, and rich soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6–7.5)

• Light: Full sun to partial shade 🌤

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged 💧

• Temperature: Hardy perennial; tolerates cool and mild climates; young plants may need protection from frost

Sowing Tips Lovage Seeds (Levisticum officinale):

1. Sow seeds directly into soil or in seed trays after danger of frost has passed

2. Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep, spacing 30–40 cm apart for larger plants

3. Germination can take 2–3 weeks under optimal conditions

4. Thin seedlings carefully to avoid overcrowding

🍽 Culinary and Medicinal Uses

• Leaves: Add to soups, stews, salads, and broths for a celery-like flavor

• Roots: Eaten as a vegetable or grated into salads

• Seeds: Used as spice, similar to fennel seeds

• Traditional medicine: Mild diuretic and aquaretic; roots contain furanocoumarins, so avoid excessive sun exposure after contact 🌞

💡 Additional Tips for Gardeners

• Lovage is long-lived, often returning year after year

• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Can be grown in large containers if space is limited

• Harvest leaves and stems as needed; cut flowers before seed formation to prolong foliage growth

• Combines well with other herbs like parsley, dill, and celery in culinary gardens

✅ Fresh seeds with tested germination 🌱 – grow your own lovage for a tall, aromatic herb that enhances soups, salads, and traditional recipes while providing striking foliage in the garden.

Focus keyphrase: Lovage Seeds

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