Lovage

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Lovage

Latin name

Levisticum officinale

Family

Apiaceae

Origin

in the Mediterranean

Crop classification

spicy and adromatic plants

Exposure

sunny

Frost resistance

frost resistant

Optimal growth temperature

15 – 25°C

Water requirement

prefers moderate humidity

Soil requirement

clay soils, rich in organic matter

Soil pH

6,0 a 7,0

Edible part

Folium levistici (Leaf), Radix levistici (root), Semen levistici (seed)

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Interesting

In Germany, the plant is nicknamed "Maggikraut" after the popular seasoning sauce Maggi, because its taste is very similar to this sauce.

accessibility

Usage

it is added to spice mixes (Vegeta, Maggi). It is used in fish, poultry and lamb dishes, in bean stews, in fillings and spreads.

Inclusion in the sowing process and fertilization requirements 

It can be grown in one place for 3-4 or more years. 

track: II. 

suitable pre-crops: root crops 

fertilization: After harvesting, it requires a regenerative dose of nitrogen. 

varieties: Most cultivated Ligurian plants are very similar, as the plant is grown primarily for its aromatic and medicinal properties, rather than for specific variations in growth or appearance. 

Agricultural cultivation techniques 

Propagation: sowing seeds directly into well-prepared soil in autumn or very early spring (March) 

Agro-technique of cultivation - bed method (directly into the soil)

Harvest and storage: the leaves of Ligurian can be collected already in the first year of growth (when they reach a size of approx. 20 cm cm), from spring to late autumn. With large-scale production technologies, leaves are collected once. Ligurian roots are usually harvested after two to three years of growth.

Use: It is added to spice mixes (Vegeta, Maggi). It is used in fish, poultry and lamb dishes, in bean stews, in fillings and spreads. 

Impact on human health 

Valuable ingredients: essential oils, polyphenols, vit. C 

Phytotherapeutic groups: diuretic, carminative, mucolytic 

Diseases and pests: it is often attacked by a virus (ligurček mosaic), ligurček leaf spot (Septoria levistici), among pests, the biggest damage is caused by aphids, aphids and the field leafhopper (Eupterix atropunctata).