When to plant Valerian in Fulton County County,
Plant Valerian in Fulton County County during the brief April 27–May 11 window. With 179 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 16.
When to Plant Valerian in Fulton County, IL
Valerian is a tall perennial herb with fragrant white or pink flower clusters, valued for its root which is used as a natural sleep aid. It attracts pollinators and earthworms.
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Valerian
Valerian needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Valerian Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fulton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Nov 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Fulton County
Start seeds indoors and transplant after last frost. Harvest roots in fall of the second year. Deadhead flowers unless you want self-seeding. Cats are attracted to valerian root.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Valerian in Fulton County County, ?
In Fulton County County, , plant Valerian after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fulton County County, for Valerian?
Fulton County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Valerian grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Valerian grow in Fulton County County's climate?
Yes — Valerian grows well in Fulton County County's temperate climate. Fulton County County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.