When to Plant Valerian in USDA Zone 8a
Your May planting checklist for Zone 8a
Here's what deserves your attention in Zone 8a this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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 8a, the average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Zone 8a
Where Is USDA Zone 8a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8a. Click any state to see the Valerian planting schedule for that location.
Valerian Planting Calendar — Zone 8a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8a 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
255 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 (~255 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
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Saving Valerian Seeds
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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 8a?
In Zone 8a, plan your Valerian planting around the average last frost date of March 8. Transplant seedlings around March 15.
Can Valerian grow in Zone 8a?
Yes, Valerian can grow well in Zone 8a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 255 days, which is sufficient for Valerian (120-180 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Valerian in Zone 8a?
In Zone 8a, expect to harvest Valerian from July 19 – October 25. Valerian takes 120-180 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is around March 8, and the first fall frost is around November 18. This gives a growing season of approximately 255 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.