Buying pre-grown seedlings from the nursery can be a bit of a gamble. For one thing, you never really know if you’re getting a healthy plant or one that’s struggling. Plus, those little starter pots can get surprisingly pricey! That’s why more and more gardeners are choosing to propagate their own. If you’re looking to expand your herb garden, here are my favorite tips for easily propagating lovage (also known as the “Maggi herb”).
Method 1 – Growing from Seed
Growing lovage from seed is actually pretty straightforward. You can grab a packet of seeds at your local garden center, or better yet, harvest them right from your own plants.
Here’s how to do it:
- Wait until after the blooming period in late summer. Resist the urge to prune your lovage back so it has a chance to develop fruit and seeds.
- By September, the seeds should be ripe and ready for harvest.
- Store your harvested seeds in an airtight container until you’re ready to plant.
- In February, you can start your seeds indoors.
- Just sprinkle the seeds into some nutrient-rich potting soil and cover them with a very light layer of dirt.
- Keep the container in a warm spot and make sure the soil stays consistently moist.
It usually takes about two and a half weeks for them to sprout. Once your seedlings hit about 6 inches tall, they’re ready to be planted outside. Pick a spot with full sun to partial shade and make sure the soil is deep and rich in nutrients.
Method 2 – Root Division
While starting from seed takes a bit of patience, dividing the roots is a much faster and easier way to get new plants.
An added bonus? This technique actually rejuvenates the mother plant! It’ll grow back even more lush as it tries to fill in the space. Just make sure your original lovage plant is healthy before you start. If you try to divide a sick plant, it likely won’t survive the stress.
Here is how to successfully divide your roots:
- The best time to do this is in early spring or late fall before the first frost hits.
- Carefully dig up your lovage plant. Keep in mind that these roots go pretty deep!
- Using a small, clean spade, slice through the root ball to divide the plant.
You can take your new division and plant it in its new home immediately. Toss a little compost into the planting hole and give it a good soak to help it settle in.
