Saflax - Organic - Lovage - Levisticum officinale - 100 seeds - Much more than just soup seasoning – diversity of an often underrated herb. With germ-free and air-permeable coconut fiber substrate for successful cultivation. Worth knowing: Lovage is a hardy, perennial herbaceous plant that reaches a growing height of 1 to 2.5 meters. The whole plant smells aromatic and its flavour reminds one of celery.. Primarily, the Lovage leaves are being used, but also its seeds, stems and roots can be utilized. Lovage is the most typical spice for all kinds of vegetable soups, but it should be used sparingly since it has quite strong seasoning action. Usually, you calculate with one leave per litre. Besides classic plain soups, Lovage can also enrich a variety of dishes: veal and poultry – especially roast, salads, egg dishes, mushrooms, fish, sauces and curds. As with almost all herbs, Lovage is most aromatic when it is fresh. If frozen, it will lose its flavour and also becomes mushy and unsavoury. It is much better to chop the herb first and give it together with some olive oil and water in an ice cube tray for freezing. The even better option for conservation would be drying the Lovage, either bundled or chopped up into big pieces. However, it is not recommendable to grind the herb into powder, as it oxidizes rather quick. Natural Place: Lovage is native to the Near and Middle East and originated probably in Iran or Afghanistan from where it spread through the Mediterranean into the rest of Europe. Cultivation: Propagation is ideally done starting from February at a sunny place indoors. Other than most herbs, Lovage germinates under dark and cool conditions. Place the seeds 1-2 cm deep into moist coconut substrate or organic herb substrate. Cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the soil from drying out, but don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every second or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on the potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm with a temperature between 20°C and 25° Celsius and keep the surface of the earth moist, but not wet (ideally using a water sprayer). Depending on the propagation temperature the first seedlings will come up after two to ten weeks. Seedlings that are already raised indoors can be planted out with beginning of May. As soon as there is no more night frost expected, you can move the seedling with its complete root ball, to avoid stress for the plant. Place: The plant needs the sun, warmth and a wind-sheltered place to produce its full aroma. Care: Keep the soil always moist, but not wet. Water your plant as soon as the top layer of the earth has dried out. Fertilize the plant either very modest with compost or organic fertilizer for herbs, or don’t fertilize at all. During Winter: Sow again the next year. Bonsai: No Picture credits: Because of technical limitations links are shown as text. 25318-levisticum-officinale-seed-package-front-german.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-levisticum-officinale-cultivation-instruction-german.jpg - Frank Laue - © Saflax - saflax.de/copyright 15318-32-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-33-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-34-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-34-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-35-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-36-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright 15318-37-levisticum-officinale.jpg - About © : Contact SAFLAX - - saflax.de/copyright