How To Grow Lovage Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
December 23, 2021

Lovage is a delicious perennial herb, sometimes referred to as love parsley, Maggi plant, smallage, old English lovage, or sea parsley. In Italy, lovage is often called mountain celery.

This herb is native to the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Because of its unique flavor, growing ease, and numerous benefits, lovage has been cultivated around the world for centuries. In fact, it has naturalized in many around in Europe and North America

Lovage tastes like a combination of parsley and celery. The high salt content in the stems and leaves naturally enhances the flavors of your favorite dish. Lovage microgreens are great in salads, stuffing, and soups. They also make a beautiful and tasty garnish.

Lovage contains a large number of nutrients. It is packed full of vitamin C, quercetin, and a variety of B vitamins. Lovage provides both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection, making this delicious microgreen a delicious treat to include in your immune boosting arsenal. You can use it in your favorite dishes or make a delicious and soothing tea with lovage.

Lovage microgreens are easy to grow and can be harvested a week or two after planting. Lovage microgreens, or micro lovage, can be enjoyed throughout the year when our easy to understand instructions are followed.

Lovage Microgreen Profile

Our microgreen profile table provides you with all the pertinent information you need to grow lovage microgreens. You will find information on the flavor, growing time, and information on how easy it is to grow micro lovage.

AttributeProfile
Flavor Lovage microgreens taste like a combination of celery and parsley with a salty background.
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)  No – Lovage microgreen seeds do not need to be presoaked before planting; however, soaking can speed up germination.
Color  Micro lovage has bright green stems and leaves.
Germination Time   Lovage microgreens have a long germination period of 6 to 14 days.
Harvest Time   Your lovage microgreens will be ready to harvest in about 18 to 24 days after planting.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)   3 – Because of the long germination period, we rate this microgreen as medium difficulty.

Don't let the slow germination rate of micro lovage keep you from planting these tasty microgreens. Instead, let it work in your favor. Plant multiple trays of lovage microgreens spaced about two weeks apart to keep fresh lovage microgreens in your refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most microgreen gardeners have questions, especially when growing a new microgreen for the first time. We have gathered the most frequently asked questions about micro lovage and have answered them.

Do Lovage Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

Like most microgreens, lovage microgreens do not regrow. For best results, harvest an entire grow tray of micro lovage and then compost the roots, growing medium, and any remaining microgreen stems.

How Fast Do Lovage Microgreens Grow?

Lovage microgreens are one of the slowest growing types of microgreens due to the extended germination times. On average, you can expect to harvest micro lovage approximately 18 to 24 days after planting.

How to Enjoy Micro Lovage

Lovage microgreens taste similar to parsley and celery with a salty background. This herb is perfect for stuffing, soups, and stews.

Equipment Needed to Grow Lovage Microgreens

Lovage has been grown for centuries. Today, we recommend growing micro lovage in a soilless growing medium in grow trays. When you follow our directions, you will be rewarded with a large harvest of delicious lovage microgreens.

Starter Kits for Lovage Microgreens

There are some great microgreen starter kits on the market. A starter kit will provide you with the supplies needed to begin growing microgreens. We recommend using the Deluxe Microgreens Starter Kit from True Leaf Market.

Specific Equipment Needed for Lovage Microgreens

You may have some of the items needed for growing microgreens on hand. Here is a list of the items that you will need to successfully grow lovage microgreens.

Lovage Microgreen Mason Jars

Although not necessary, you can soak your lovage microgreens for about 6 to 12 hours to reduce the time it takes for germination. For best results, we recommend using a pint sized mason jar with a screw top lid like this one.

Sale
Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)
  • Made in America by the Ball Mason Jar Company Great for candles, lotions, jams and jellies, preserves, herbs etc. Lid and airtight band included Set of 4 jars No shipping outside of the continental U.S. The line on the jar says 12oz but you can fill in to 16 oz.

Growing Medium

Growing lovage is not difficult when the correct growing medium is used. Many microgreen growers do not consider the importance of choosing the correct growing medium. An effective growing medium will be fine grained and will hold the right amount of water while reducing the risk of root rot and other soilborne diseases. Here are our top two recommendations.

Coconut Coir for Lovage Microgreens

We prefer coconut coir more than seed starting medium for a number of reasons. Coconut coir is a renewable resource made from the husks of ripe coconuts. The husks are ground into a fine grained growing medium. Coconut coir is pH neutral and can hold a lot of water without increasing the risk of mold, mildew, and other diseases that plague plants.

MOTHER EARTH Coco Plus Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, Provides Strong Aeration & Drainage, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 Liter
  • Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
  • Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
  • Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
  • Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
  • Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)

Seed Starting Growing Medium for Lovage Microgreens

Seed starting soil is a fine grained growing medium that contains everything your microgreens need to grow strong and healthy. When choosing a seed starting medium, it is best to opt for an organic growing medium like the one listed below.

Sale
FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000 -1.5 Cubic Foot Organic Potting Soil
  • SIZE: 38.6 quarts of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil for your hungry plants
  • APPLICATION: Ultimate potting soil that has everything your plants need in one bag
  • CONTENTS: Blend of earthworm castings, bat guano, sea-going fish & crab meal, forest humus, moss & more
  • PH LEVELS: Ocean Forest is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake
  • BENEFITS: Encourages strong branching and a sturdy, healthy growth habit and is ideal for containerized plantings

Lovage Microgreen Growing Trays

You will need three trays for your lovage microgreens. You will need two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes. We recommend using 10 inch by 20 inch grow trays; however, there are other grow tray sizes available.

Tray With Drainage Holes

The tray with drainage holes will be used to hold your growing medium and seeds. This tray allows you to water from the bottom up, which reduces the risk of soilborne diseases like mold and mildew.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (with Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - WITH Drain Holes
  • Perfect for hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Two Trays Without Holes

You will place your tray with drainage holes inside one of the trays without holes. This setup allows your microgreens and growing medium to slowly absorb water without the risk of overwatering or disturbing the delicate roots of your lovage microgreens.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Lovage Microgreens Misting Bottle

A simple misting bottle allows you gently water delicate microgreens without disturbing the seeds and soil.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

Lovage Microgreens Grow Light

A full spectrum LED grow light provides your microgreens with the light they need to grow consistently and healthy.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

Lovage Microgreen Heating Mat (Optional)

A heating mat is optional; however, it ensures your soil remains at the perfect temperature to encourage germination.

HYDGOOHO Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting Propagation and Increase Germination Success 10 Inch x 20.75 Inch MET Safety Standard Certified
  • Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
  • Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
  • Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
  • Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
  • If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.

Lovage Microgreen Planting Rack (Optional)

A microgreen planting rack allows you to utilize the vertical area of your home. The planting rack will contain multiple shelves that allow you to hold your grow trays, lights, heating mats, and circulating fans in a small area.

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
  • STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

Lovage Microgreen Circulation Fans (Optional)

Circulation fans help to increase airflow and decrease the risk of moisture related diseases. These small fans gently circulate the air and improve the health of your microgreens.

Sale
Active Air HORF6 6-Inch Clip-On 360-Degree 5W Brushless Motor Hydroponic Grow Fan with Spring-Loaded Plastic Clip for Gardens, Black, 2 Pack
  • LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
  • CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
  • AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
  • DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
  • SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2

Lovage Microgreen Seeds

If you are looking for the best seed for micro lovage, look no further than the seeds listed below. These seeds will help ensure you grow a bountiful, delicious crop.

Lovage Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's lovage microgreen seeds are non-GMO seeds. With its high germination rate, it remains one of the top lovage seeds on the market.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Lovage Microgreens

Growing lovage microgreens is not difficult when you follow our instructions. Each step is explained in detail to help ensure your success. Before you begin, gather your supplies and read the instructions to familiarize yourself with the planting and growing requirements. Then, when you are ready, plant your seeds and in just a few weeks, enjoy the bounty of your efforts.

Step 1 Prepare Your Growing Trays for Lovage Microgreens

Once you have gathered your supplies, it is time to prepare your trays for planting your lovage microgreens. Grab your growing medium and a tray with drainage holes and a tray without drainage holes and get ready to begin your adventure in growing lovage microgreens.

Place your growing medium inside the tray with drainage holes. Grab a piece of cardboard and press the growing medium down gently. Then, add more soil until the soil level is just below the top of the growing tray.

Next, you will need to get your growing medium saturated. There are two methods that can be used to wet the soil. Our preferred method is to place the growing tray with drainage holes in a couple of inches of water and allow it to soak up the water for at least thirty minutes.

Conversely, you can use your misting bottle to wet your soil. Spray until the growing medium is wet. Wait fifteen minutes so the growing medium can absorb the water. Repeat the process four or five times to ensure your growing medium is thoroughly saturated.

After the soil is ready for planting, place the tray with drainage holes inside a tray without drainage holes. This setup will let you water the soil during and after the germination process from the bottom up.

Step 2 Plant Your Lovage Microgreen Seeds

Once you have saturated your growing medium, it is time to plant your microgreen seeds. We recommend using a herb shaker bottle like this one to sow your lovage microgreen seeds.

You will need 0.8 ounces of lovage microgreen seeds per 10 inch by 20 inch tray. Shake the tiny seeds across the entire surface of the tray evenly, ensuring the seeds are spread to all four corners.

Gently sprinkle a handful of soil across the tray to barely cover the seeds. Pat down gently with your hands.

Step 3 Understand the Germination Process for Lovage Microgreens

In order for seeds to germinate, they must be subjected to pressure and darkness. We can mimic this with the third lid and some type of weight.

Now that your seeds are planted, invert the remaining tray without drainage holes on top of your soil and seeds. This will prevent light from reaching your seeds during the germination process.

Next, grab a weight, a heavy book, or a large stone and place it on top of the inverted tray to mimic the pressure a seed would have to push through if it were planted in the ground. Don't worry the weight won't hurt your seedlings. In fact, it will help your microgreens grow strong and healthy.

You will then need to place your grow tray on your heat mat. Turn the heat mat on so the soil temperature remains a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat mat will remain on until it is time to remove the blackout dome.

Because lovage microgreen seeds take a long time to germinate, you will need to check the moisture level daily. If the soil begins to dry out, pour a cup of water into the bottom tray. Allow the growing medium to soak up the moisture for 30 minutes. Then, pour off any remaining water.

On average, it will take your lovage microgreens about two weeks to germinate. When 90 percent of your microgreen seeds have germinated, you can remove the weight and the blackout lid. Then, place the lovage microgreens under your grow lights.

Step 4 Place Your Lovage Microgreens Under Grow Lights

When you first remove the blackout lid, your microgreens will be white or whitish yellow. Don't worry, once the microgreens spend some time under your grow lights, they will green up quite quickly.

Your microgreens should be within 12 inches of your grow light to ensure the proper development of chlorophyll. This process known as photosynthesis occurs quickly once your microgreens are exposed to full spectrum LED grow lights.

You will want to keep your grow lights on for about 12 to 16 hours each day. In addition to light, your microgreens do require at least 8 hours of darkness each day.

Step 5 Turn on Your Circulation Fans to Improve the Lovage Microgreen Health

Circulation fans help to increase the airflow between each plant. This is essential to the health of your lovage microgreens as microgreens are sown very close together.

Place your microgreen circulation fans on your grow rack. Make sure that the fans are positioned so they blow across the tops of your microgreens. You do not want the airflow to blow across the surface of the soil as this will cause the soil to dry out prematurely.

Step 6 Know When to Harvest Lovage Microgreens

Lovage microgreens take 18 to 24 days to be ready to harvest. Lovage microgreens are ready to harvest when they reach about two to three inches high, and the first set of true leaves have formed. This will ensure that the microgreens have developed their flavor while the maximum nutrients remain.

Because microgreens develop differently based on lighting, moisture levels, and circulation, you will need to taste the lovage microgreens daily. When they are at the height of perfection, it is time to harvest your microgreens.

To ensure that your microgreens remain crisp and increase the storage lifespan of lovage microgreens, withhold water for at least 12 hours before harvest.

Harvesting Lovage Microgreens

To increase the lifespan of your lovage microgreens, you must work quickly to reduce air exposure. Furthermore, you want to avoid crushing the delicate microgreens as this can impact the flavor and lifespan of your microgreens.

All you need to harvest lovage microgreens is a sharp knife or a sharp pair of scissors, a few clean, dry paper towels, and a storage bag or box.

Place the paper towels on your countertop. Then, working quickly, cut your lovage microgreens slightly above the soil level. As you cut your microgreens, place them in a single layer on the paper towels.

Once the entire tray has been harvested, it is time to place your lovage microgreens in a storage container. Avoid getting your microgreens wet as this can shorten the life expectancy of your micro lovage. Finally, only harvest one tray at a time so the microgreens aren't exposed to the air for an extended period of time.

Storing Lovage Microgreens

Lovage microgreens can be stored in a storage bag or storage container. The most important thing is that the storage container or bag is airtight.

Once you have harvested your lovage microgreens, gently wrap them in a clean, dry paper towel and place them in the storage container. Make sure you do not bruise the lovage microgreens while placing them in your chosen storage container.

Place the lovage microgreens in the refrigerator immediately. When properly stored at a temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, your microgreens will last approximately two weeks.

Final Thoughts

Lovage microgreens are easy to grow, filled with nutrients, and delicious. Lovage has been grown for centuries and is loved for its unique flavor. Add lovage microgreens to your favorite soups, stews, or stuffing.

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How To Grow Lovage Microgreens
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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.