When to Plant Valerian in Braxton County, WV
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.
Braxton County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 2,760 feet, Braxton County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Braxton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Valerian Planting Timeline — Braxton County, WV
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | September 8 | Sep 8 – Nov 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
173 days
Growing Tips for Braxton 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
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Braxton County, WV?
Braxton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Braxton County, WV?
Braxton County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Braxton County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.