When to Plant Valerian in USDA Zone 6b
April to-do list for Zone 6b
Each item below is timed to Zone 6b's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Transplant valerian outside
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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.
In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Zone 6b
Where Is USDA Zone 6b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Valerian planting schedule for that location.
Valerian Planting Calendar — Zone 6b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
205 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Valerian in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~205 days). Start Valerian indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
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Saving Valerian Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Valerian in Other Zones
Valerian by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, plan your Valerian planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Transplant seedlings around April 10.
Can Valerian grow in Zone 6b?
Yes, Valerian can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Valerian (120-180 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Valerian in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Valerian from August 14 – October 23. Valerian takes 120-180 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Valerian?
Good companion plants for Valerian include Echinacea, Chamomile. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.