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When to Plant Valerian in Aransas County, TX

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.

Aransas County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and the first fall frost is December 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 305 days.

At an elevation of 173 feet, Aransas County receives approximately 67.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 104ยฐF, so Valerian may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Valerian root diseases.

Aransas County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
305 days
Last Spring Frost February 10
305 growing days
First Fall Frost December 12

Aransas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (89 days to spare)
Transplant: Jan 25 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Oct 28

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 204 gal / 100 sq ft
Valerian needs ~4,200 GDD — county provides 8,568 GDD Excellent fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Aransas County, TX

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Sep 29

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
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 9a

Growing Season

305 days

Growing Tips for Aransas 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 Aransas County, TX?

Aransas County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 10. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Aransas County, TX?

Aransas County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and first fall frost is December 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Aransas County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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