When to plant Valerian in McLean County, IL
In McLean County, Valerian is a spring-only crop. Plant April 25–May 9 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Valerian in McLean 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.
McLean County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,024 feet, McLean County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
McLean County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Valerian Planting Timeline — McLean County, IL
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | August 29 | Aug 29 – Nov 7 |
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
183 days in McLean County
Growing Tips for McLean 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 McLean County, IL?
McLean County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLean County, IL?
McLean County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Valerian in McLean County, IL?
In McLean County, IL, plant Valerian after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McLean County, IL for Valerian?
McLean 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 McLean County's climate?
Yes — Valerian grows well in McLean County's temperate climate. McLean County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your McLean County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McLean 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.