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When to plant Valerian in Stevens County, MN

Stevens County's 157-day season only supports one Valerian planting per year. Sow between May 9 and May 23 for the best chance at full maturity before October 6.

When to Plant Valerian in Stevens County, MN

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.

Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,259 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.

Stevens County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Stevens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Valerian Planting Timeline — Stevens County, MN

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest September 12 Sep 12 – Oct 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Stevens County

Growing Tips for Stevens 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 Stevens County, MN?

Stevens County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stevens County, MN?

Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Valerian in Stevens County, MN?

In Stevens County, MN, plant Valerian after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stevens County, MN for Valerian?

Stevens County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Valerian grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Valerian grow in Stevens County's climate?

Yes — Valerian grows well in Stevens County's temperate climate. Stevens County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Stevens County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stevens County (Zone 4b). 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 Stevens County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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