When to Plant Valerian in Muskogee County, OK
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.
Muskogee County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 651 feet, Muskogee County receives approximately 25.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Muskogee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Muskogee County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Valerian's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Muskogee County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Valerian will thrive.
How to Plant Valerian
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Valerian
Valerian needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Valerian Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Muskogee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Muskogee County, OK
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Nov 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Muskogee County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Muskogee County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after April 04 in Muskogee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Muskogee County, OK?
Muskogee County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Muskogee County, OK?
Muskogee County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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