{"product_id":"levisticum-officinale-lovage-british-grown-culinary-herb","title":"Levisticum officinale - Lovage - British Grown Culinary Herb","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLovage is a tall, architectural herb with deeply divided green leaves and a rich flavour often compared to celery with hints of parsley. Both the leaves and stems can be used in cooking, while the attractive umbels of yellow-green flowers add ornamental value and attract beneficial insects. Easy to grow and returning year after year, lovage makes a fantastic addition to kitchen gardens, herb borders, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLovage\u003c\/b\u003e, prized for its culinary uses and impressive stature, is one of the oldest cultivated herbs in Europe. Growing into a substantial clump over time, it provides a reliable harvest of aromatic foliage from spring until autumn. Its robust nature and ability to thrive in the British climate make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow their own herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerennial Herb\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdible, Culinary Herb, Architectural, Pollinator Friendly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e June to August\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e March to October\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eLevisticum officinale\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e (official medicinal lovage)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLovage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative to the eastern Mediterranean region and parts of western Asia. It has been cultivated throughout Europe for centuries for both culinary and traditional herbal uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePruning Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHarvest leaves regularly throughout the growing season to encourage fresh growth. Remove flower stems if you wish to maximise leaf production, or allow them to develop for wildlife value and ornamental interest. Cut old stems back to ground level in late autumn after foliage dies back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWildlife Value\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe umbrella-shaped flower heads attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial insects. It is particularly valuable in wildlife-friendly kitchen gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositioning\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrives in full sun or partial shade. Ideal for herb gardens, kitchen gardens, wildlife borders, and mixed perennial beds. Allow sufficient space, as mature plants can reach up to 1.5 to 2 metres in height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep soil consistently moist during dry weather, particularly while plants are establishing. Established plants are relatively tolerant of short dry spells but produce the best foliage when kept evenly watered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Performs best in rich garden soil with good moisture retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApply a mulch of garden compost or well-rotted organic matter in spring. Additional feeding is rarely necessary in fertile soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenerally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any herb, consumption in large quantities should be discouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant lovage towards the back of a border or herb garden where its impressive height can be appreciated. A single mature plant can provide more than enough foliage for most households.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLovage was highly valued in medieval monastery gardens and was often grown for both cooking and traditional herbal remedies. Every part of the plant is aromatic, including the leaves, stems, roots, and seeds, all of which have been used in various culinary traditions throughout Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"9cm","offer_id":58299202929021,"sku":"1127327971871","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/de\/products\/levisticum-officinale-lovage-british-grown-culinary-herb","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}