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When to Plant Valerian in Tom Green 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.

Tom Green County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 4,366 feet, Tom Green County receives approximately 52.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Valerian may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Tom Green County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Tom Green County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Oct 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Nov 11
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 25 – Dec 1

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
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 875 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Valerian needs ~3,975 GDD — county provides 6,148 GDD Excellent fit

Valerian Planting Timeline โ€” Tom Green County, TX

Valerian Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 โ€“ Nov 11

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

232 days

Growing Tips for Tom Green 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 Tom Green County, TX?

Tom Green County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tom Green County, TX?

Tom Green County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tom Green 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 Tom Green County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.