When to Plant Valerian in Webb 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.
Webb County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 3,543 feet, Webb County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, 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.
Webb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Webb County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6โ7.7) is more alkaline than Valerian prefers (5.5โ7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Webb County is excellent for Valerian โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Valerian.
How to Plant Valerian
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 โ consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | โ | 1.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (FebโDec in Webb County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Valerian Planting Timeline โ Webb County, TX
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 โ Mar 2 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 โ Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
โ๏ธ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
๐ง Water
1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week
๐ Days to Maturity
120โ180 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 5.5โ7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
๐ Growing Season
303 days in Webb County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Webb County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after February 09 in Webb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 →
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Webb County, TX?
Webb County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Webb County, TX?
Webb County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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