Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to talk about a plant that has been a staple in my garden for years: Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage. If you love the rich, celery-like flavor it brings to soups, stews, and even salads, you’re in for a treat. Growing more lovage from your existing plants is incredibly satisfying, and I promise, it’s not as daunting as you might think. For beginners, I’d say lovage is leaning towards the easier side of propagation, especially with a few key tricks up your sleeve.
The Best Time to Start
Generally, I find the sweet spot for propagating lovage is in early spring. This is when the plant is just waking up from its winter dormancy and has plenty of energy to put into new growth. You can also have success with late summer or early autumn propagation, but make sure you give the new plants enough time to establish before the colder weather arrives.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s a little checklist to get you ready to go:
- Sharp Pruning Shears or a Knife: Clean cuts are crucial for healthy propagation.
- Rooting Hormone (Optional but Recommended): This gives your cuttings a real boost.
- Trays or Pots: Small pots or seed trays filled with your chosen propagation mix work perfectly.
- Propagation Mix: I prefer a 50/50 blend of peat moss or coco coir and perlite or coarse sand. This ensures good drainage and aeration.
- Watering Can with a Fine Rose: For gentle watering without disturbing your young plants.
- Plastic Bags or Cloches: To create a humid environment for your cuttings.
Propagation Methods
Lovage is wonderfully forgiving, and the most reliable method I’ve found is via division.
Division (My Go-To Method)
This is the easiest and most successful way to increase your lovage supply.
- Dig Up Your Plant: In early spring, before the plant gets too large and vigorous, carefully dig up your mature lovage plant. I like to do this on a slightly overcast day to minimize transplant shock.
- Examine the Root Ball: Gently shake off excess soil. You’re looking for distinct clumps or crowns within the root system.
- Make the Cuts: Using a clean, sharp spade or knife, divide the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a good portion of roots. If a section looks weak or has no eyes, it’s best to discard it.
- Replant and Water: Immediately replant your divisions into their new homes. This could be back into your garden beds or into pots if you want to get them started elsewhere. Water them thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Stem Cuttings (A Bit More Hands-On)
If you want to try stem cuttings, here’s how I approach it:
- Take Cuttings: In late spring or early summer, select healthy, non-flowering stems. Use your clean shears to take cuttings about 4-6 inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node (where a leaf attaches to the stem).
- Prepare the Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving just a few at the top. If using rooting hormone, dip the cut end into it, tapping off any excess.
- Pot Them Up: Fill your pots with your prepared propagation mix and make a small hole with a pencil or your finger. Insert the cutting into the hole, making sure the nodes where you removed leaves are buried. Gently firm the soil around the stem.
- Create Humidity: Water gently and then cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear cloche to create a humid environment. Place them in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
The “Secret Sauce” (Pro Tips)
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that really make a difference:
- Don’t Disturb Too Much: When dividing, try to keep the root systems as intact as possible. The less you disturb those delicate roots, the quicker they’ll establish.
- Bottom Heat is Your Friend (for Cuttings): While lovage can root without it, placing your pots on a heated propagator mat can significantly speed up root development for stem cuttings. It mimics the warmth of spring soil and encourages faster rooting.
- Freshness is Key: For stem cuttings, try to get them into the propagation mix as soon as possible after taking them. The longer they sit out, the less likely they are to root.
Aftercare & Troubleshooting
Once your divisions or cuttings have started to grow, you’re almost there!
- Watering: Continue to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. As the plants grow larger and more established, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Light: Once roots have formed, your new lovage plants will appreciate a bright location. For cuttings, gradually acclimate them to more light once you see signs of new growth.
- Transplanting: When your divisions or cuttings have developed a good root system and are showing strong new growth, they are ready to be transplanted into their final garden beds or larger pots.
The most common issue you might face is rot, especially with stem cuttings. This usually happens if the soil is too wet and there isn’t enough air circulation. If you see yellowing leaves or a mushy stem, remove the affected cutting immediately and check your watering and drainage.
A Little Encouragement
Propagating lovage is a wonderful way to multiply your harvest and share this fantastic herb with friends. Be patient with the process – some plants are quicker than others. Enjoy the journey of watching new life emerge from your efforts! Happy gardening!
Resource:
https://identify.plantnet.org/k-world-flora/species/Levisticum%20officinale%20W.D.J.Koch/data