When to Plant Valerian in Pemiscot County, MO
Top priorities for Pemiscot County, Missouri gardeners in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Pemiscot County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b 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.
Pemiscot County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 553 feet, Pemiscot County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Pemiscot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pemiscot County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Valerian's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pemiscot County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Valerian.
How to Plant Valerian
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Pemiscot County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Pemiscot County, MO
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Nov 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Pemiscot County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Pemiscot County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after March 30 in Pemiscot County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Pemiscot County, MO?
Pemiscot County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pemiscot County, MO?
Pemiscot County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Pemiscot County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pemiscot County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.