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When to Plant Valerian in Montana

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.

Montana spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Valerian planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Valerian Planting Calendar for Montana

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Harvest September 20 Sep 20
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 – May 27
Harvest September 16 Sep 16 – Oct 7
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Harvest September 11 Sep 11 – Oct 2
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest September 5 Sep 5 – Oct 17

Growing Tips for Montana

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Valerian in Montana?

Planting dates for Valerian in Montana depend on your USDA zone. Montana spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Montana for planting?

Montana contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.