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When to Plant Valerian in Lampasas 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.

Lampasas County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 1,908 feet, Lampasas County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Valerian may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Lampasas County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Lampasas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

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 β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lampasas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Valerian Planting Timeline β€” Lampasas County, TX

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Nov 7

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June β€”
July β€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

120–180 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

236 days in Lampasas County

Growing Tips for Lampasas 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Valerian in Lampasas County, TX?

Lampasas County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lampasas County, TX?

Lampasas County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Lampasas County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Lampasas County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.