Valerian in Zone 3a & 3b
Valeriana officinalis
Yes, valerian grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 18–Apr 25 and plant out Jun 6–Jun 13.
When to plant valerian in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Apr 18–Apr 25 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated harvest | About 2 years after planting |
Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-6.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of valerian in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilJun 13–Jun 20
- BorageMay 30–Jun 6
- DillMay 23–May 30
- HyssopJun 6–Jun 13
- Lemon BalmJun 6–Jun 13
- Shiso (Perilla)Jun 6–Jun 13
Valerian is a tall perennial grown for its root, historically one of the best-known herbal sedatives, and it takes a full two seasons in the ground before that root is ready to harvest.
How valerian fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Valerian takes about 2 years from planting to first harvest, so it spans more than one growing season.
Valerian planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Apr 18–Apr 25 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | About 2 years after planting |
| 4a & 4b | Apr 3–Apr 10 | May 22–May 29 | About 2 years after planting |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 29–Apr 5 | May 17–May 24 | About 2 years after planting |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 14–Mar 21 | May 2–May 9 | About 2 years after planting |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 27–Mar 6 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | About 2 years after planting |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 11–Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | About 2 years after planting |
| 9a & 9b | Jan 4–Jan 11 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | About 2 years after planting |
Good companions
No well-established companions for valerian.
Where to buy valerian seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's valerian seeds)
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing valerian" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
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Growing Valerian in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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