When to plant Lovage in Oxford

Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 27th February - 20th March and cover with a very light layer of compost. Keep the tray in bright, indirect light and do not let the compost dry out.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small pots or modules from 20th March. Handle them gently by the leaves and keep the roots moist while you work.

Harden off young plants over 15 before planting out, from 10th April - 24th April. Stand them outside for a few hours at a time and bring them in if nights turn cold.

Set plants in their final position from 8th May, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed. Space them 60 cm apart, water in thoroughly straight after planting, and mulch to hold moisture around the roots.

From 8th May, keep the soil evenly moist and give a mulch or general-purpose feed if growth looks pale. Water more in dry spells so the leaves stay tender and the plant keeps making fresh growth.

From 29th May, pinch out the growing tips regularly to keep plants bushy and stop them rushing to flower. Pinch out the top few centimetres of each shoot, and in the first year avoid taking so much that the plant is stripped.

Start picking leaves from 31st July once plants are well established, then keep cutting lightly through 29th October. Snip outer stems or fresh young leaves often, and leave enough growth for the plant to recover and carry on cropping.