When to Plant Valerian in Jefferson County, WI
May in Jefferson County, Wisconsin — your action list
Your Jefferson County, Wisconsin garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Time to transplant valerian
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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.
Jefferson County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 613 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Valerian's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Valerian.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Valerian will thrive.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, WI
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | September 7 | Sep 7 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Jefferson County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after April 27 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 168.0-day growing season in Jefferson County is tight for Valerian (120.0-180.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Jefferson County, WI?
Jefferson County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, WI?
Jefferson County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 12.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.