Scots lovage (Ligusticum scoticum)
A perennial plant of the family Umbelliferae, found near the coasts of northern Europe and north-eastern North America. It grows up to 60 centimetres (24 in) tall and in its natural habitat is found in rock crevices and cliff-top grassland. In the garden, it will thrive in most soil types and needs little attention.
The whole plant is edible, with a flavour resembling parsley or celery. It is a neat compact plant and makes a very good alternative to garden lovage (which grows into an enormous plant, takes up valuable garden space and is used just for the odd leaf as seasoning). Scots lovage leaves are high in vitamin C and can be used in the same way as garden lovage for adding a rich, savory flavour to stock but, as they are milder and sweeter, can also be added to salads. The seeds can be used as a spice like caraway or celery seeds.
Sowing
Seeds need at least two weeks of cold-stratification in order to germinate.
Propagation
Plants can be propagated by division. Lift and divide crowns in early spring.
The whole plant is edible, with a flavour resembling parsley or celery. It is a neat compact plant and makes a very good alternative to garden lovage (which grows into an enormous plant, takes up valuable garden space and is used just for the odd leaf as seasoning). Scots lovage leaves are high in vitamin C and can be used in the same way as garden lovage for adding a rich, savory flavour to stock but, as they are milder and sweeter, can also be added to salads. The seeds can be used as a spice like caraway or celery seeds.
Sowing
Seeds need at least two weeks of cold-stratification in order to germinate.
Propagation
Plants can be propagated by division. Lift and divide crowns in early spring.
