Alchimiaweb.com presents Rocalba Lovage Seeds, an aromatic and medicinal plant reminiscent of celery. It is ideal for cultivation in the vegetable garden or in a pot on the balcony.
Rocalba Lovage, perennial plant up to 2.5m high
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Central Asia, although it is widely used throughout Central and Southern Europe today as a culinary seasoning and for its therapeutic properties.
This perennial herbaceous plant grows up to 2.5m high. It develops a multitude of upright and strong stems from its base and acquires the appearance of a knob with green leaves, from which some central branches with green and yellow umbel flowers stand out.
The seeds are to be germinated in spring, in a seedbed or in direct sowing. 4-5 seeds are placed in a 60cm x 40cm planting frame. The seeds are buried 2-3cm, ensuring that they receive plenty of sunlight, a temperature of at least 16ºC, sufficient water and a substrate rich in worm humus and well-drained. The first sprouts begin to emerge after about 3-6 weeks.
Rocalba lovage, aroma similar to celery and very simple to cultivate
It is a very easy plant to cultivate, adapting perfectly to the sunlight or sun and shade although it prefers the latter. It develops a big and long root, needing enough substrate or a big and deep pot to develop properly in order to offer its full potential.
It requires frequent but measured watering, without waterlogging the soil or letting it dry out. An automatic irrigation system is recommended to facilitate this task. It is a rustic and resistant plant which is not affected by pests or diseases, saving the use of phytosanitary treatments.
The leaves are collected in the second year. It is performed during the vegetative growth period. When the flowers appear, they must be cut off in order to focus the energy on leaf production. In about 2-3 years the roots can be harvested. They are dug up in winter.
Rocalba Lovage info:
- Sachet: 1g of seeds
- Ideal for open ground or pot
- Germination: Spring
- Direct germination in open ground or in a seedbed
- Planting frame: 60cm x 40cm
- Up to 2.5m, provided with sufficient substrate
- Leaves are harvested all year round, starting from the second year
- In 2-3 years the roots can be collected
- Benefits from sun and shade, with frequent and moderate watering
- Requires rich drained soil
