When to plant Valerian in Henry County, IL
In Henry County, Valerian is a spring-only crop. Plant April 23–May 7 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Valerian in Henry 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.
Henry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 593 feet, Henry County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Henry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Valerian Planting Timeline — Henry County, IL
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Harvest | August 27 | Aug 27 – Oct 8 |
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 | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Henry County
Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, IL?
Henry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henry County, IL?
Henry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Valerian in Henry County, IL?
In Henry County, IL, plant Valerian after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Henry County, IL for Valerian?
Henry County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Valerian grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Valerian grow in Henry County's climate?
Yes — Valerian grows well in Henry County's temperate climate. Henry County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 16.
Your Henry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Henry County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.