Lovage

Levisticum officinale

1. Identification and origin

Lovage (Levisticum officinale W.D.J. Koch), also known as garden lovage or “lovage”, belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to the mountainous regions of southern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a perennial aromatic plant, traditionally cultivated as a vegetable and medicinal plant since Antiquity.

2. Economic importance

The leaves, stems, seeds and roots are used as a condiment, in infusions and in the food industry. The intense aroma, similar to celery, makes it valued in soups, broths and culinary preparations. The plant is also used in phytotherapy for its digestive and diuretic properties. Cultivation is common in family gardens and in small holdings of aromatic and medicinal plants.

3. Botanical characterisation

A perennial herbaceous plant, robust, able to reach 1.5–2 m in height. The leaves are large, glossy, pinnate, resembling those of celery. The inflorescences are compound umbels, with small, yellow flowers. The fruit is a schizocarp typical of the Apiaceae. The root is thick, aromatic and deeply set. The plant resprouts annually from the underground crown.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers cool temperate climates, with good sun exposure or partial shade. It develops best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It tolerates cold and frosts, but is sensitive to prolonged periods of drought. Regular watering favours vegetative growth and the production of aromatic leaves.

5. Main pests

• Aphids (Aphis spp., Myzus persicae): leaf curling and honeydew.
• Carrot fly (Psila rosae): damage to roots in crops near Apiaceae.
• Caterpillars (Noctuidae): perforations in leaves.
• Mites (Tetranychus spp.): chlorosis and fine webs in dry conditions.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root galls and reduction of vigour.

6. Main diseases

• Leaf spot (Septoria spp.): irregular lesions and premature leaf drop.
• Powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.): white coating in dry and hot conditions.
• Root rots (Pythium spp., Phytophthora spp.): wilting and rotting in waterlogged soils.
• Rust (Puccinia spp.): orange pustules and decline of vigour.
• Botrytis (Botrytis cinerea): rots in leaves and stems, especially in humid environments.

7. General crop management

This includes planting in fertile and well-drained soils, regular organic fertilisation, moderate but consistent watering, removal of old leaves to reduce disease pressure and monitoring of pests common in Apiaceae. The division of clumps every 3–4 years maintains the vigour of the plant. The harvesting of the leaves should be done continuously during spring and summer, while the roots are harvested in autumn.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Levisticum officinale – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Levisticum officinale – datasheets.
• Simon, J. E., et al. (1984). Herbs: An Indexed Bibliography. In: Purdue University Press.
• Grieve, M. (1931). A Modern Herbal. Penguin Books.
• Huxley, A. (1992). The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan Press.