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When to Plant Valerian in Anchorage Municipality, AK

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.

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.

At an elevation of 2,537 feet, Anchorage Municipality receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 71ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.

Anchorage Municipality, AK (Zone 4b) Short season
127 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
127 growing days
First Fall Frost September 19

Anchorage Municipality Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Sep 14 – Oct 5
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Sep 25 – Oct 16
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Oct 13 – Nov 3

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 29 gal / 100 sq ft
Valerian needs ~488 GDD — county provides 412 GDD May not mature

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Anchorage Municipality, AK

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5
Harvest September 25 Sep 25 โ€“ Oct 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
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 4b

Growing Season

127 days

Growing Tips for Anchorage Municipality

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 Anchorage Municipality, AK?

Anchorage Municipality is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Anchorage Municipality, AK?

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Anchorage Municipality, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.