Valerian Planting Guide
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.
Valeriana officinalis · Herb · Caprifoliaceae family · 120–180 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Valerian?
Valerian Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Valerian planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | May 22 | Sep 25 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | May 17 | Sep 20 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Sep 5 – Oct 17 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Aug 29 – Oct 10 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Aug 21 – Oct 30 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Aug 14 – Oct 23 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Aug 5 – Nov 11 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jul 29 – Nov 4 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | Jul 19 – Oct 25 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | Jul 8 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | Jun 23 – Sep 29 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | Jun 7 – Sep 13 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 9b
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.
Saving Valerian Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Valerian by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Valerian?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) takes 120 to 180 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Valerian grow in?
Valerian can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Valerian need?
Growing Valerian requires Partial Shade (3-6 hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.