July 28, 2023
Are you familiar with an herb whose origin and history can be traced back to medieval times in the Liguria region of northwest Italy? If not, you might want to learn more about Lovage (Levisticum officinale). The name lovage is from “love-ache”, ache being a medieval name for parsley. Lovage is used in many recipes calling for parsley or celery. With its glossy, deep-green leaves that are cut and divided and having a pungent celery taste, some consider it to be the ultimate celery herb.
While not as well known in the United States, lovage has been long cultivated in Europe. Queen Vitoria always carried some candied lovage seeds to satisfy her sweet tooth. Charlemagne, King of Franks, was said to have liked lovage so much that he ordered it grown in all of the gardens on his estate. Over the years, chefs have discovered that cooking with lovage has its benefits. All parts of the plant are usable, from leaves as an herb, the roots as a vegetable and the seeds as an aromatic spice. Even the hollow stems can serve as a straw substitute when sipping a favorite beverage.
(Pink Lemonade with a lovage straw)
Lovage will reach two to three feet, even as high as 6 feet, with a spread of about two feet. Rounded umbels or flat clusters of small yellow-green flowers up to four inches across appear mid- to late summer. Flowers are followed by brown, ridged, crescent-shaped seeds that are about ¼ inch long. Harvest the tender, young leaves at any time and use them in soups, stews and salads. Or, during an early morning stroll, enjoy nibbling on them straight from the garden. Seeds can be used crushed or whole, sprinkled over meat and salads or added to liqueurs, cordials, bread and pastries.
In our Zone 8 climate lovage performs best when planted in a location with partial sun, preferably morning sun. It is easy to grow in any well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Plant from containers in the spring while the weather is still cool. Start from seed in the winter. Divide plants in spring or fall, making sure that each division has some new buds. Though lovage is considered an herbaceous perennial, it sometimes succumbs to summers in the south. Plants die back to the ground in winter, but regrow from the roots in spring.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
Thanks. Maybe someone will suggest lovage straws as a stand-in for paper, as an alternative to plastic.
Oh, I love the lovage article. The history is so interesting, and to even use part of it as a straw, Wow!!! I always walk away with increased knowledge and I will share with others. Thank you. Please do not get too hot in the garden.
Diane Washam
Thank you, Diane!