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When to Plant Valerian in Bullock County, AL

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.

Bullock County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.

At an elevation of 179 feet, Bullock County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, 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.

Bullock County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
252 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
252 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Bullock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Oct 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Oct 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Nov 13

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 434 gal / 100 sq ft
Valerian needs ~2,738 GDD — county provides 4,599 GDD Excellent fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Bullock County, AL

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Oct 25

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

252 days

Growing Tips for Bullock 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Valerian in Bullock County, AL?

Bullock County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bullock County, AL?

Bullock County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bullock County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bullock County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.