When to Plant Valerian in Sublette County, WY
Sublette County, Wyoming gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Sublette County, Wyoming garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: 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.
Sublette County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 22 and the first fall frost is August 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.
At an elevation of 5,005 feet, Sublette County receives approximately 22.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.
Sublette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Sublette County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Valerian prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sublette County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Valerian.
How to Plant Valerian
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Sublette 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 — Sublette County, WY
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Harvest | November 2 | Nov 2 – Nov 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
63 days in Sublette County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Sublette County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after June 22 in Sublette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 63.0-day growing season in Sublette County is tight for Valerian (120.0-180.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Sublette County receives only 23" of rain annually. Valerian needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Sublette County, WY?
Sublette County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 22. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sublette County, WY?
Sublette County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 22 and first fall frost is August 24.
Your Sublette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sublette County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.