When to Plant Valerian in Treasure 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.
Treasure County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 6,726 feet, Treasure County receives approximately 17.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Valerian to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Valerian successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Treasure County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.3
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Valerian Planting Timeline — Treasure County, MT
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
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 | — |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
143 days
Growing Tips for Treasure 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 Treasure County, MT?
Treasure County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Treasure County, MT?
Treasure County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Treasure County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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