When to Plant Valerian in Shawnee County, KS
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.
Shawnee County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 923 feet, Shawnee County receives approximately 26.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Shawnee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Valerian Planting Timeline — Shawnee County, KS
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Nov 3 |
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 | Harvest |
| December | — |
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
191 days
Growing Tips for Shawnee 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
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Shawnee County, KS?
Shawnee County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shawnee County, KS?
Shawnee County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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