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When to plant Valerian in Pulaski County, IL

Plant Valerian in Pulaski County during the brief April 16–April 30 window. With 196 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 22.

When to Plant Valerian in Pulaski 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.

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.

Pulaski County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Valerian Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, IL

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Harvest August 20 Aug 20 – Nov 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

196 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Pulaski 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Valerian in Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Valerian in Pulaski County, IL?

In Pulaski County, IL, plant Valerian after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pulaski County, IL for Valerian?

Pulaski County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Valerian grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Valerian grow in Pulaski County's climate?

Yes — Valerian grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pulaski County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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