Hello, I've been trying to grow lovage in a pot for a while now and the seeds just won't sprout, or if they do, they die off quickly.
This is my latest attempt, but something's happening to the leaves. Any idea what could be causing this type of damage? I've seen gnats and springtails around. Could they be munching on my lovage? :(
Hi, Are you trying to grow this indoors? It looks like it. Lovage will do best for you outside, as it is a large plant when full size. Ideally you would start seeds under lights around April or May for planting in June, or buy first year plants when ready to set in the garden. Frankly, unless you have lots of outdoor space, one or two plants would probably be your limit, especially if you are growing other herbs.
I would recommend, especially since you are in eastern Canada, purchasing a live plant from Richter's Herbs, in Ontario. I live in Central NY and I have been purchasing herbs for my extensive herb garden there for some years. Their plants are quite hardy and vigorous. You can get lovage from Richter's that is well established in a 2 inch pot, plant it in your larger pot, and find a sunny location (does best in full to part sun) for planting after frost date. If you don't have much sun or a yard, putting it in a substantial (ideally ceramic) pot on a deck, patio or similar where it can get some sun is ideal. Lovage is relatively winter hardy and will re-sprout in spring, especially with a good layer of mulch. It grows 4-7 feet depending on the richness of your soil.
