How to Germinate Lovage Seeds

Germinating lovage seeds can be a rewarding gardening project. Here are the steps to successfully germinate lovage (Levisticum officinale) seeds:

Materials Needed:

• Lovage seeds
• Seed-starting tray or small pots
• Seed-starting mix or a well-draining soil mix
• Water
• Plastic wrap or a plastic dome (optional)
• Labels (optional)
• A warm, sunny location or a grow light

Steps:

1. Timing:
   • Begin the germination process indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Alternatively, you can sow lovage seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
2. Preparation:
   • Fill your seed-starting tray or small pots with a high-quality seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix slightly before planting the seeds. It should be damp but not waterlogged.
3. Sowing the Seeds:
   • Sow the lovage seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil. If you’re using small pots, you can place 2-3 seeds in each pot and thin them out later, keeping the strongest seedling.
   • If you’re using a seed-starting tray, space the seeds about 2 inches apart.
4. Moisture:
   • Gently water the seeds after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy throughout the germination period. Overwatering can cause the seeds to rot.
5. Covering:
   • Optionally, you can cover the tray or pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome to create a humid environment which can aid in germination. Make sure to remove the cover once the seeds start to germinate to prevent fungal growth.
6. Temperature and Light:
   • Place the seed tray or pots in a warm location. Lovage seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
   • Provide plenty of light. If you’re starting them indoors, place them in a sunny window or under grow lights for about 12-16 hours a day.
7. Germination Time:
   • Lovage seeds generally take around 10-20 days to germinate, so be patient and keep the soil moist during this period.
8. Thinning:
   • Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, thin them out to allow one strong seedling per pot or space them 12-18 inches apart if they are in a tray.
9. Transplanting:
   • When the seedlings are large enough to handle and after the danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
   • Transplant the lovage seedlings into the garden, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart in a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.

Additional Tips:

• Lovage is a perennial herb, so once established, it will come back year after year.
• It prefers a spot with partial shade to full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully germinate and grow lovage seeds into healthy plants. Enjoy your gardening!