Black Lovage – Alexanders – Smyrnium olusatrum
If you are looking for a plant that works well in shade as an ornamental, as well as source of food, then Black Lovage could be it.
It has been used as medicinal herb since Roman times, however it is more often used as a culinary herb or leafy green. It can be used as a parsley substitute, the seeds have a warm peppery taste and it does come into growth early in the season.
Also known simply as Alexanders, and sometimes Horse parsley, the botanical name is Smyrnium olusatrum. The foliage is the main part used as a food source, and it tastes a little like celery.
The ornamental side of the plant is the foliage, as well as the flower stalk it sends up in early autumn. It could be grown in conduction with angelica, it does look similar with its umbrellas of flowers on tall stems and it is related.
The flowers are a yellow to green and are followed by black seed pods, it is the seed pods that give the plant one of its common names..
Although this is a biennial, it will self seed in cooler climates.
The whole plant including leaves, tender leaf stalks, shoots, and roots are all used as vegetables, they are used in soups and stews.
The flower buds are used in salads. The seeds are sometimes ground and used as a spice.
General Care
Plant in light shade in a humus rich soil.
Water regularly through spring and summer with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
Growing Black Lovage from Seed
1. Understand the life cycle (important!)
- Biennial:
- Year 1: leafy growth only
- Year 2: flowers, sets seed, then dies
- Often self-seeds freely once established
2. Seed freshness matters
- Seeds lose viability quickly
- Best results come from:
- Fresh seed (same year)
- Or seed that has experienced winter cold
If you bought seed and it’s older, germination may be patchy—this is normal.
3. Cold stratification (almost essential)
Alexanders seeds need cold to break dormancy.
Option A: Autumn sowing (best & easiest)
- Sow outdoors in autumn
- Nature provides the cold
- Seeds germinate in spring
Option B: Artificial stratification (for spring sowing)
- Mix seeds with slightly damp sand or vermiculite
- Seal in a bag or container
- Refrigerate for 4–6 weeks
- Sow immediately after chilling
4. When & how to sow
Timing
- Autumn: September–November (ideal)
- Spring: After cold stratification
Sowing method
- Sow directly where plants will grow (they dislike root disturbance)
- Depth: 5–10 mm (¼–½ inch)
- Space seeds about 30 cm / 12 in apart
- Lightly firm soil and water gently
Germination can be slow and irregular—sometimes 3–8 weeks after warmth returns.
5. Growing conditions
Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Tolerates shade better than celery
Soil
- Moist but well-drained
- Rich, loamy soil preferred
- pH neutral to slightly alkaline
Water
- Regular watering in dry spells
- Once established, fairly drought tolerant
6. First-year care
- You’ll get a low rosette of glossy green leaves
- Keep weed-free
- Mulch helps retain moisture and protect roots over winter
You can harvest young leaves and stems lightly in year one.
7. Second year & flowering
- Plants shoot up tall flower stalks (up to 1.5 m / 5 ft)
- Yellow-green umbels appear in late spring
- Allow some plants to set seed if you want it forever
8. Harvesting
- Leaves: best young, before flowering
- Stems: blanch like celery (earth up or wrap)
- Seeds: aromatic, spicy—harvest when turning brown