Valerian in Zone 6a & 6b
Valeriana officinalis
Yes, valerian grows in zones 6a and 6b. Start seeds indoors Mar 14–Mar 21 and plant out May 2–May 9.
When to plant valerian in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 14–Mar 21 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 2–May 9 |
| 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 6b
These go outside within two weeks of valerian in zone 6b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 9–May 16
- BorageApr 25–May 2
- RosemaryMay 9–May 16
- DillApr 18–Apr 25
- CatmintMay 2–May 9
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)May 2–May 9
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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 6b 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 | Mar 29–Apr 5 | May 17–May 24 | About 2 years after planting |
| 6a & 6b (your zone) | 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 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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