When to Plant Valerian in Johnson County, TX
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.
Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 2,525 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 62.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Valerian, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Valerian root diseases.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Johnson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Johnson County, TX
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Nov 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
239 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.