Come springtime, you can find lovage seeds in just about any garden center. But if you want a successful harvest of this herb—often called the “Maggi plant” because of its savory, bouillon-like aroma—you’ll need to give it the right start. Getting those tiny seeds to sprout into a lush, healthy plant takes a bit of know-how. Here’s my guide on how to sow lovage like a pro and what you need to keep in mind.
Quality Matters When Buying Seeds
If you grab a generic, budget seed packet, you usually won’t see a specific variety listed. However, if you’re willing to spend a couple of extra bucks, you can find high-quality named varieties that are much more reliable. For example, “Verino” is a fantastic choice because it’s incredibly hardy and isn’t too picky about where it grows.
When to Get Planting
If you’re sowing directly into your garden beds, April is usually the sweet spot. However, if you’re like me and get the gardening itch early, you can start seeds indoors in starter pots as early as February. You can also do a late-summer sowing in August, or even September if you live somewhere with mild winters.
If you already have a lovage plant and want to collect your own seeds to expand your herb garden, you’ll have to be patient. Wait until October to harvest them; that’s how long it takes for the seeds to fully ripen and become viable.
These Seeds Love the Heat
Lovage seeds are “dark germinators,” meaning they need to be covered with soil to sprout, and they really appreciate a warm environment.
Here’s how to get them started:
- Pick out a good spot in your garden or prep a suitable pot.
- Cover the seeds with a layer of humus-rich soil.
- Lightly press the soil down and give them a good drink of water.
- If using a container, move it to a nice, warm location.
- Keep the soil consistently moist while you wait.
You should see those little sprouts popping up in about three weeks.
Why Starting Indoors Pays Off
Starting your seeds in trays during February is a great way to get a head start. Just make sure to water them regularly—the soil should stay moderately moist but not soggy. Once your seedlings reach about 6 inches tall, they’re ready to be transplanted outdoors. By this stage, they’re pretty tough and can handle the outdoor elements and cooler temperatures just fine.
When choosing their permanent home, look for soil that is deep, well-draining, and packed with nutrients. A pH level between 6 and 7 is the “sweet spot.” Lovage especially loves loamy soil with a bit of lime to help it grow big and strong.
Propagating Your Lovage
While seeds are great, the absolute easiest way to get more “Maggi plant” in your life is by propagating an existing plant. Dividing the plant is super fast: just use a small spade to slice through the root mass and replant the new section in a sunny spot. It’s the shortcut to a massive herb garden!
