Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Lovage: when and how to prune
Levisticum officinale
Lovage is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Lovage: when to prune it?
Cut the plant back a first time in July, after flowering; remove the old stems completely in March.
Lovage: how to prune it?
- After flowering, cut the flowering stems and old leaves back to a hand’s breadth above the ground: the plant then produces new, tender leaves for late summer.
- Leave a few flowering stems if you want to harvest seed.
- Leave the hollow, dead stems standing over winter and cut them down in March.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.