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When to Plant Valerian in Magoffin County, KY

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.

Magoffin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 2,020 feet, Magoffin County receives approximately 44.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.

Magoffin County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Magoffin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 21 – Oct 30
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 29 – Nov 7
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Sep 10 – Nov 19

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
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 22 gal / 100 sq ft
Valerian needs ~2,738 GDD — county provides 3,485 GDD Good fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Magoffin County, KY

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Harvest August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Nov 7

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 Transplant Outdoors
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 6b

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for Magoffin 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 Magoffin County, KY?

Magoffin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Magoffin County, KY?

Magoffin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Magoffin County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Magoffin County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.