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When to Plant Valerian in Delta 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.

Delta County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 235 feet, Delta County receives approximately 70.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Valerian will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Valerian root diseases.

Delta County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Delta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Oct 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Nov 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 20 – Nov 26

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
1.2″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 184 gal / 100 sq ft
Valerian needs ~2,738 GDD — county provides 4,471 GDD Excellent fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Delta County, TX

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 โ€“ Apr 5
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Nov 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
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

245 days

Growing Tips for Delta 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 Delta County, TX?

Delta County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Delta County, TX?

Delta County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Delta County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Delta County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.