National Bloody Mary Day – Ode to Lovage

January 1st is National Bloody Mary Day. As you start the New Year consider growing all the ingredients, including the straw, in this year’s garden. 

You know about growing tomatoes, peppers and the other main ingredients, but you may never have considered adding a bit of lovage to the mix. This easy to grow herb has hollow stems and a celery flavor. Place one or two plants in a sunny corner of the garden or one in a large pot for a vertical accent in moist well-drained soil. This perennial herb can reach 6 feet in height, grow one foot wide and is hardy to zone 4. Harvest sections of the stems, leaves and all, as needed. Use as a straw in your Bloody Mary or tomato juice for a little home-grown celery flavoring.

And watch for seedlings you can dig and share with friends.

It’s sure to add lots of fun and make your cocktail party or weekend brunch a special event.

A bit more information: The leaves begin to yellow as the plant flowers and sets seed. Harvest, grind and use seeds to flavor a variety of dishes. Or cut back the plants to encourage fresh new growth. You’ll miss out on the seeds, but have plenty of fresh green leaves to use throughout the remainder of the season.

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