Lovage

This plant is often called the "Maggi plant" and has a flavour similar to celery. Lovage is a delicious seasoning for soups and sauces.

Latin name: Levisticum officinale
Height: 2 metres
Flowering period: July – August
Lifespan: Perennial

Lovage originates from Southern Europe. The plant has coarser leaves at the bottom and more delicate leaves at the top. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes anise, dill, caraway, parsnip, parsley, and fennel. In July and August, the plant produces large umbels of yellow flowers.

Both the leaves and seeds are edible. As the nickname "Maggi plant" suggests, lovage is excellent in sauces and soups. It also adds a rich flavour to stews. The seeds are used to flavour breads.

Lovage grows well in partial shade or full sun. In winter, the plant dies back completely. Make sure to give it enough space – it can grow over 2 metres tall!

It also does well in a pot, though it remains smaller. Even in a pot, it needs sufficient room to thrive.

You can propagate the plant by dividing it every 3 to 4 years, ideally in spring.