When to plant Valerian in Devils Elbow, MO
Devils Elbow's 199-day season only supports one Valerian planting per year. Sow between April 16 and April 30 for the best chance at full maturity before October 25.
When to Plant Valerian in Devils Elbow, MO
This month in Pulaski County, Missouri
July is a pivotal month for Pulaski County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: valerian
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.
Devils Elbow, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 877 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Devils Elbow Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Valerian 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 Devils Elbow
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Valerian's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Valerian.
How to Plant Valerian
Valerian 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski 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 — Devils Elbow, MO
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 29 |
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 | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Devils Elbow
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski 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
When should I plant Valerian in Devils Elbow, MO?
In Devils Elbow, MO, plant Valerian after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Devils Elbow, MO for Valerian?
Devils Elbow sits in USDA Zone 6b. Valerian grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Valerian grow in Devils Elbow's climate?
Yes — Valerian grows well in Devils Elbow's temperate climate. Devils Elbow averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.