Lovage—or “Maggi herb” as some folks call it because of its savory, celery-like aroma—is a serious grower. It develops a massive, hardy root system that, with a little know-how, is super easy to divide. This is one of the simplest ways to propagate your own herbs without much fuss. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it right and what you need to keep in mind.
Why Dividing is the Way to Go
Sure, you can grow lovage from seed, but dividing the roots is often the smarter move.
Here’s why I love this method:
- It’s fast and has a really high success rate.
- It actually rejuvenates the mother plant and encourages healthier growth.
- It’s totally free—no need to spend money on seed packets.
- You skip the whole “nursery phase” with seed trays and grow lights.
- Your new plants will be exact clones, carrying on all the great traits of the original mother plant.
Timing is Everything: Aim for Fall
The best time to divide your lovage is during its dormant phase in late fall. You want to get in there just before the first frost hits. This gives the new division plenty of time to settle in and establish its roots before the spring growing season kicks off.
If you miss your fall window, don’t sweat it! You can also divide it in April, ideally right before the new shoots start popping up.
How to Divide Your Lovage Step-by-Step
To make sure your herb survives the “surgery,” just follow these simple steps:
- First, carefully dig up the lovage plant you want to divide.
- Shake off any excess dirt from the root ball. You want a clear view of the rootstock so you know exactly where to make your cut.
- Take a sharp spade and slice right through the center of the mother plant’s roots.
- Pop the original mother plant back into its hole and cover it back up with soil.
- Now for the fun part: take your new division and plant it in a sunny to partially shaded spot.
- Just remember, lovage gets big! Give it about 3 feet (1 meter) of space from its neighbors.
Pro tip: When you’re planting your new “Maggi herb,” mix a little compost into the soil. It provides essential nutrients that boost plant health and helps it bounce back faster.
Once it’s in the ground, firm up the soil with your foot to remove air pockets and give your new plant a good, long drink of water.
