When to plant Valerian in Moultrie County, IL
Plant Valerian in Moultrie County, between April 21 and May 5 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (186 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Valerian in Moultrie 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.
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 596 feet, Moultrie County receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.
Moultrie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Valerian Planting Timeline — Moultrie County, IL
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Nov 3 |
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
186 days in Moultrie County
Growing Tips for Moultrie 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 Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Valerian in Moultrie County, IL?
In Moultrie County, IL, plant Valerian after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moultrie County, IL for Valerian?
Moultrie 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 Moultrie County's climate?
Yes — Valerian grows well in Moultrie County's temperate climate. Moultrie County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Moultrie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moultrie 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.