When to plant Valerian in Flathead County, MT
Plant Valerian in Flathead County, between June 10 and June 24 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (99 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Valerian in Flathead County, MT
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.
Flathead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 99 days.
At an elevation of 6,233 feet, Flathead County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Flathead County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Valerian Planting Timeline — Flathead County, MT
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | October 14 | Oct 14 – Nov 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
99 days in Flathead County
Growing Tips for Flathead 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 →
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Flathead County, MT?
Flathead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Flathead County, MT?
Flathead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Valerian in Flathead County, MT?
In Flathead County, MT, plant Valerian after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Flathead County, MT for Valerian?
Flathead County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Valerian grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Valerian grow in Flathead County's climate?
Yes — Valerian grows well in Flathead County's temperate climate. Flathead County averages a 99-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 10.
Your Flathead County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Flathead County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.