HT Lovage Maggi Plant Seeds 1.5g

Lovage Maggi Plant Seeds 1.5g

Overview

Lovage (Levisticum officinale), also known as the Maggi Plant, is a hardy perennial culinary herb with deeply divided green leaves and a strong, savoury flavour reminiscent of celery.

The aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried to season soups, stocks, stews, sauces, meat dishes and vegetables. Lovage has an intense flavour, so only a small amount is usually needed.

This vigorous perennial returns each spring and can provide generous harvests for many years. Its upright growth makes it a useful architectural plant for herb gardens, vegetable plots and the back of mixed borders.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial culinary herb.
• Strong celery-like flavour and aroma.
• Commonly known as Lovage or the Maggi Plant.
• Fresh or dried leaves can be used for seasoning.
• Excellent for soups, stocks, stews, sauces and meat dishes.
• Produces generous harvests once established.
• Returns year after year in suitable growing conditions.
• Summer flowers attract bees and beneficial insects.

Sowing Instructions

• Sow indoors in seed trays or small pots during March and April.
• Alternatively, sow outdoors in a prepared seedbed from April to June.
• Sow thinly in moist seed compost and cover lightly with fine compost.
• Keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Lovage seeds can germinate slowly and irregularly, so maintain moisture and be patient.
• Prick out seedlings once they are large enough to handle.
• Transplant into their permanent positions when the plants are well established.
• Allow approximately 60–80cm between plants.

Growing Conditions and Care

Choose a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile, deep and moisture-retentive soil. Lovage grows into a substantial plant and should be given sufficient space to develop.

Water regularly during dry weather, especially while plants are establishing. Apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted organic matter around the plants in spring to conserve moisture and support fresh growth.

Remove flower stems as they appear if the main aim is to produce tender culinary leaves. This helps extend the harvesting period and prevents the foliage from becoming bitter.

Lovage naturally dies back during autumn. Cut the old stems down after they fade or leave them in place until early spring, removing them before new growth begins.

Harvesting and Use

Harvest fresh green leaves from June to September once plants are established. Pick young leaves and tender shoots regularly to encourage additional growth.

Use Lovage sparingly because its flavour is stronger than ordinary celery. Finely chop the leaves and add them to soups, stocks, stews, casseroles, sauces, meat dishes and savoury vegetable recipes.

The leaves can also be dried for later use. Harvest healthy stems before flowering and dry them in a warm, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Store dried leaves in an airtight container.

Product Details

• Botanical name: Levisticum officinale
• Common names: Lovage, Maggi Plant
• Plant type: Hardy perennial herb
• Indoor sowing period: March–April
• Outdoor sowing period: April–June
• Harvesting period: June–September
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, deep and moisture-retentive
• Expected height: Approximately 80–100cm
• Plant spacing: Approximately 60–80cm
• Suitable for: Herb gardens, vegetable plots and mixed borders
• Culinary use: Soups, stocks, stews, sauces and meat dishes
• Pollinator friendly: Yes
• Pack size: Approximately 1.5g
• Approximate seeds per gram: 300
• Product code: 11130

Browse quality herb seeds from Mallorn Gardening Supplies and grow fresh culinary herbs at home in Ireland.