Lovage can grow up to 2.50 m high - provided it is uncut. If you want to tame your growth, you should therefore regularly use scissors. But there are other reasons to trim the maggi herb. What are they and what should be considered when cutting?

What is the purpose of cutting lovage?

There are many reasons for cutting lovage. There are the following among others:

  • to stimulate its new growth
  • to tame its growth
  • to remove flowers and seeds, as they rob you of your strength
  • to harvest the stems and leaves
  • to remove diseased plant parts

Does lovage tolerate cutting well?

Yes, because lovage is extremely robust and willing to survive! Even if you prune the plant radically down to the ground in order to use all plant parts above ground, it will sprout again.

And some gardeners report the following: They cut the lovage down to the ground with the intention of removing it completely and struggled to pull out the roots. That didn't work. After the plant was then pricked several times in the root area with a small hook, they were sure: the lovage is dead. But none! He's expelled again!

When to cut and how?

  • cut back to a hand's breadth above the ground in early spring (end of February to March).
  • use sharp scissors
  • completely remove dried and diseased parts of the plant
  • cut after flowering in August (if seed formation is not desired)
  • cut one last time in autumn for harvest
  • for strong main shoots: remove some side shoots

tips and tricks

If you have several lovage plants, save one plant from pruning and wait for it to flower and seed. You can harvest the seeds and use them as a spice. Their taste is even more intense than the leaves.

Category:

Vegetable garden