Lovage can grow up to 2.50 m high – provided it is uncut. If you want to tame its growth, you should use scissors regularly. But there are other reasons to cut the Maggi herb. What are they and what should you pay attention to when cutting?
When and how should you cut lovage?
Lovage should be cut back to a hand's width above the ground in early spring (February to March). Use sharp scissors, remove dried and diseased parts of the plant, and prune again after flowering in August to prevent seed formation. A final harvest takes place in autumn.
What is the purpose of cutting lovage?
There are many reasons for cutting lovage. The following are among others:
- to stimulate new growth
- to tame its growth
- to remove flowers and seeds as they rob you of strength
- to harvest the stems and leaves
- to remove diseased plant parts
Does lovage tolerate cutting well?
Yes, because lovage is extremely robust and willing to survive! Even if you radically shorten the plant to the ground in order to use all the above-ground parts of the plant, it will sprout again.
And some gardeners report this: They cut the lovage - with the intention of removing it completely - to the ground and tried to pull out the roots. That didn't work. After the plant was stabbed several times in the root area with a small hook, they were sure: the lovage was dead. But nothing! He is expelled again!
When to cut and how?
- cut back to a hand's width above the ground in early spring (end of February to March)
- use sharp scissors
- completely remove dried and diseased plant parts
- cut after flowering in August (if no seeds are desired)
- cut one last time for harvest in autumn
- for strong main shoots: remove some secondary shoots
Tips & Tricks
If you have several lovage plants, save one plant from cutting and wait for flowers and seeds to form. You can harvest the seeds and use them as a spice. The taste is even more intense than the leaves.
