When to Plant Valerian in Fulton County, IL
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.
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Fulton County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is within Valerian's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fulton County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Valerian will thrive.
How to Plant Valerian
Plant Water Budget
Valerian Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Fulton County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after April 20 in Fulton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 179.0-day growing season in Fulton County is tight for Valerian (120.0-180.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General 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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Fulton County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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