How to Grow Valerian
Get Your Exact Valerian Planting Dates
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Your Valerian dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
Spacing
24" apart
Depth
0.125" deep
Height
3-5 ft
Germination
14-21 days
Ready to Grow Valerian?
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Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Valerian
See which plants help Valerian thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Harvest seed heads just as they begin to turn brown — they shatter quickly when fully ripe.
Processing
Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1 week, shake to release seeds. Seeds are very light — winnow carefully.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Valerian self-sows readily and can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Valerian. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Valerian Planting Calendar by Zone
Valerian Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian? +
Start Valerian seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Valerian take to grow? +
Valerian typically matures in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Valerian indoors or direct sow? +
Valerian should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Valerian need? +
Valerian requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Valerian? +
Space Valerian plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Valerian need? +
Valerian has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Valerian? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Valerian is rated easy. Harvest seed heads just as they begin to turn brown — they shatter quickly when fully ripe. Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1 week, shake to release seeds. Seeds are very light — winnow carefully.
How long do Valerian seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Valerian seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Valerian seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Valerian is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Valerian
Tall perennial with fragrant white flower clusters. Root used as a natural sleep aid and calming supplement. Strong earthworm attractor.
Expect your Valerian to be ready for harvest in approximately 365 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.