When to Plant Valerian in Kodiak Island Borough, 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.
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Kodiak Island Borough receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.
Kodiak Island Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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.
Plant Water Budget
Valerian Planting Timeline — Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | September 23 | Sep 23 – Dec 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
139 days
Growing Tips for Kodiak Island Borough
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
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kodiak Island Borough gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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