Valerian in Zone 8a & 8b
Valeriana officinalis
Yes, valerian grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Feb 11–Feb 18 and plant out Apr 1–Apr 8.
When to plant valerian in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 11–Feb 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| 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 8b
These go outside within two weeks of valerian in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilApr 8–Apr 15
- BorageMar 25–Apr 1
- RosemaryApr 8–Apr 15
- DillMar 18–Mar 25
- CatmintApr 1–Apr 8
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)Apr 1–Apr 8
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 takes about 2 years from planting to first harvest, so it spans more than one growing season.
Valerian planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
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 · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Valerian in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest