Valerian in Zone 4a & 4b
Valeriana officinalis
When to plant valerian in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 3–Apr 10 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 22–May 29 |
| Estimated harvest | May 21 '29–May 28 '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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Valerian in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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