Blog

When to Plant Valerian in Greenwood County, SC

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.

Greenwood County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 455 feet, Greenwood County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Valerian, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Valerian root diseases.

Greenwood County, SC (Zone 7b) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
209 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Greenwood County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Nov 14
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 17 – Nov 23
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Aug 30 – Dec 6

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Valerian needs ~2,850 GDD — county provides 3,971 GDD Excellent fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Greenwood County, SC

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Harvest August 17 Aug 17 โ€“ Nov 23

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 โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

209 days

Growing Tips for Greenwood 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 Greenwood County, SC?

Greenwood County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greenwood County, SC?

Greenwood County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greenwood County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Greenwood County, SC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.