Valerian in Zone 7a & 7b
Valeriana officinalis
When to plant valerian in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b 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 | Feb 27–Mar 6 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 17–Apr 24 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 16 '29–Apr 23 '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 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. 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 7b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Valerian in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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