Valerian in Zone 3a & 3b
Valeriana officinalis
When to plant valerian in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Valerian 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 | Jun 5 '29–Jun 12 '29 (~730 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-6.5 ft.
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 needs about 730 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Valerian.
Where to buy valerian seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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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)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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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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