Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Levisticum officinale. |
Common name |
Lovage, perpetual celery, perennial celery, bastard celery, mountain arch, Maggi grass. |
Origin |
Iran. |
Dimensions |
When mature, lovage measures between 1.5 and 2 m high. |
Foliage |
The tender green foliage of lovage is composed of large, serrated leaves cut into several very distinct lobes. They are edible and have a flavor reminiscent of celery or stock cubes. |
Bloom |
In summer, the foliage of perpetual celery is adorned with small flowers grouped in umbels. They are pale yellow in color and then give way to small edible brown seeds whose flavor is reminiscent of fennel seeds. |
Exposure |
Very sunny. However, if you live in the south of France, prefer a location in partial shade. |
Ground |
Since lovage is a greedy plant, it particularly appreciates rich, humus-rich soil. |
Rusticity |
-15°C. |
Prized for centuries for its medicinal virtues, lovage also stands out in cooking thanks to its deep aroma.
Also called perpetual celery, it is a condiment plant of choice to have in your vegetable garden.
Where to plant lovage?
Perpetual celery is an adaptable plant that tolerates temporary droughts as well as frosts as long as it is placed in the right place.
Also, the choice of its location must be carefully considered because it lives for many years.
Location:
to grow well, lovage needs a lot of light: so reserve a well-exposed location for it.
However, if you live in the south of France, plan a location in partial shade to protect it from summer drought.
Be careful, lovage can measure up to 2 m high.
An element to take into account when choosing its location as it can quickly overshadow the other vegetables in the vegetable garden;
Soil:
ideally, plant lovage in rich, humus-rich, deep and well-drained soil.
However, it is an easy-going plant that can adapt to less optimal growing conditions.
Also read: Celery: an essential vegetable in the vegetable garden!
How to grow lovage?
Lovage is a plant that does not require much maintenance!
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No use without permission.
Undemanding, lovage is a plant that does not require much maintenance because it adapts well to all situations, even extreme ones.
Watering:
it is not necessary to water perpetual celery, except in summer, particularly in the event of periods of drought.
Also, don't hesitate to mulch its plant when the sunny days arrive to allow it to stay cool;
Pruning:
it is not necessary to prune lovage which reaches its adult size approximately 3 years after being planted.
To stimulate leaf development, you can remove the flower stalks as they appear;
Diseases and parasites:
relatively little prone to diseases, lovage can however be targeted by aphids.
To get rid of them, you can spray a mixture of black soap and water.
When does the perpetual celery harvest take place?
Lovage leaves are harvested
before flowering
, which generally takes place in July.
It is necessary to harvest them regularly so that new ones appear.
The seeds, for their part, are harvested in autumn, after the flowering period.
They are ready to be picked up when they turn brown.
They must then be dried before consuming them.
Also read: The top 20 aromatic herbs to grow at home
Why do we call lovage “Maggi herb”?
Lovage leaves are ideal for enhancing the flavor of a raw vegetable salad.
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No use without permission.
The flavor and smell of lovage are reminiscent of celeriac but also of the
famous stock cube from the Maggi brand
, hence its nickname Maggi herb!
Lovage leaves are ideal for enhancing the flavor of a raw vegetable salad, while its seeds can season a marinade, a soup or even pastries.
Use them sparingly, as the flavor of the leaves and seeds is very powerful.
How to store lovage leaves?
In order to season your dishes all year round with your lovage leaves, you can dry them or even freeze them just after harvesting them.
The second option is to be preferred so that they retain their marked flavor.