When to Plant Valerian in Lincoln County, MT
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.
Lincoln County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 6,794 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 18.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Valerian successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Valerian Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, MT
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | September 26 | Sep 26 – Nov 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
130 days
Growing Tips for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MT?
Lincoln County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, MT?
Lincoln County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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