When to Plant Valerian in Saline County, NE
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.
Saline County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 525 feet, Saline County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Valerian Planting Timeline — Saline County, NE
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | September 2 | Sep 2 – Nov 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, NE?
Saline County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, NE?
Saline County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 12.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.