When to plant lovage in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Jan 4 · Transplant Feb 8 · First harvest Apr 29 · Wrap by Aug 19

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 4

Transplant outFeb 8

First harvestApr 29

Last harvestAug 19

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Lovage matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 9b that means setting plants out around Feb 8 and first picking around Apr 29.

Will lovage survive frost in zone 9b?

Yes — lovage tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full lovage growing guide →