Valerian in Zone 5a & 5b
Valeriana officinalis
Yes, valerian grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 29–Apr 5 and plant out May 17–May 24.
When to plant valerian in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 | Mar 29–Apr 5 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| 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 5b
These go outside within two weeks of valerian in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- DillMay 3–May 10
- CatmintMay 17–May 24
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)May 17–May 24
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 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 5b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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