I can't imagine cooking without lovage. So I want to encourage everyone to grow this aromatic herb, also known as "maggi".
Lovage - requirements, position, reproduction
- Lovage, as its full name sounds, grows best in fertile and moist soils.
- I grew my specimen from a seedling obtained by dividing a lovage from my mother's garden. In this way, I very quickly enjoyed the fresh twigs of this herb
- Once we have a rooted bush, it spreads by itself. So if you do not want to reproduce lovage too much, you need to cut its flowering stems.
- Lovage is a perennial. It grows in the same place for up to 8 years, but I recommend replanting it to new positions every 3-4 years. This should be done when the plant is dormant, i.e. in early spring or late fall.
- This herb grows up to two meters. When choosing a place for it, let's take into account the fact that it can shade other plants in our garden.
- My lovage grows on the north side, right next to the tool shed. In this way, it does not disturb other herbs or flowers. In addition, it is favored by the prevailing partial shade and moist ground (rainwater flows from the roof of the shed).
- Once a year, I try to sprinkle some manure or compost under the lovage, because I don't use artificial fertilizers.
- Lovage tolerates moderate frosts, but in case of a harsher winter, I always cover it with leaves, straw or spruce twigs.
Lovage diseases
When it comes to disease, this herb is susceptible to aphids. To combat these pests, I recommend a homemade garlic preparation. I squeeze the cloves from two heads of garlic into a liter jar. I fill it with lukewarm water. I put the dish aside for two hours. I have a 5-liter sprayer, so I pour the strained contents of the jar into it and top it up with water. I spray the plant right away.
Lovage in the kitchen
In the season I use fresh lovage for cooking, and in winter and early spring I use dried fruit. This herb is not only aromatic, but also he althy. They are used in diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. Lovage is also an aphrodisiac that has been known for centuries. My husband laughs that there is something to it.
Marta Woźna
