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When to Plant Valerian in Greene County, AR

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.

Greene County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 441 feet, Greene County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Valerian root diseases.

Greene County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Greene County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Nov 5
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Nov 13
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Aug 27 – Dec 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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Valerian needs ~2,850 GDD — county provides 4,180 GDD Excellent fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Greene County, AR

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Nov 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Greene 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 Greene County, AR?

Greene County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greene County, AR?

Greene County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greene County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Greene County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.