When to Plant Valerian in Red River Parish, LA
This month in Red River Parish, Louisiana
Here's what deserves your attention in Red River Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 477 feet, Red River Parish receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Valerian root diseases.
Red River Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Red River Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Red River Parish, LA
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Red River Parish
Growing Tips for Red River Parish
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 Red River Parish, LA?
Red River Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Red River Parish, LA?
Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Red River Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Red River Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.