When to Plant Lovage in Memphis, Tennessee (38136)

Location

Memphis, Tennessee

ZIP Code

38136

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 3, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Start Lovage seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Levisticum officinale

Days to Maturity 365 days

Mature Height 36-84"

Spread 36"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days

Ready to Plant Lovage in Memphis?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 23, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotCeleryPotato

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lovage

See which plants help Lovage thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let seed umbels dry on the plant. Harvest when seeds are brown and aromatic.

Processing

Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1 week, thresh to separate seeds from stalks.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Lovage crosses with other Apiaceae family members like celery and parsley — isolate if growing multiple.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Lovage. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Memphis, Tennessee? +

In Memphis (Zone 8a), start Lovage seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Memphis, Tennessee? +

The average last spring frost date for Memphis, Tennessee (ZIP 38136) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Lovage take to grow? +

Lovage typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Memphis, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 3, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Lovage indoors or direct sow in Tennessee? +

Lovage should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Memphis, that means starting around Friday, January 23, 2026.

📚 More Lovage Planting Guides

🗺️

Lovage in Tennessee

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8a Lovage Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Lovage in Zone 8a

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a popular garden vegetable. In Memphis, Tennessee, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lovage seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.