Blog

When to plant Valerian in Todd County, MN

In Todd County, Valerian is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 11–May 25 for an 120–180-day harvest, finishing well before the October 4 first frost.

When to Plant Valerian in Todd 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.

Todd County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 987 feet, Todd County receives approximately 33.3 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.

Todd County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Todd County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Valerian Planting Timeline — Todd County, MN

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 – May 25
Harvest September 14 Sep 14 – Oct 5

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 4a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Todd County

Growing Tips for Todd 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 Todd County, MN?

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

What planting zone is Todd County, MN?

Todd County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Valerian in Todd County, MN?

In Todd County, MN, plant Valerian after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Todd County, MN for Valerian?

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

Can Valerian grow in Todd County's climate?

Yes — Valerian grows well in Todd County's temperate climate. Todd County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Todd County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Todd County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.