Valerian in Zone 8a & 8b
Valeriana officinalis
When to plant valerian in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 11–Feb 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 31 '29–Apr 7 '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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Valerian in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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