Last spring frostMay 7
Start seeds indoorsMar 26
Transplant outApr 30
First harvestJul 19
Last harvestOct 13
First fall frostOct 13
Why these dates work in zone 4a
Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 frost-free days. Lovage tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.
Common questions
How long does lovage take to grow in zone 4a?
Lovage matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 4a that means setting plants out around Apr 30 and first picking around Jul 19.
Will lovage survive frost in zone 4a?
Yes — lovage tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full lovage growing guide →