Valerian in Zone 9a & 9b
Valeriana officinalis
Yes, valerian grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Jan 4–Jan 11 and plant out Feb 22–Mar 1.
When to plant valerian in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 4–Jan 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| 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 9b
These go outside within two weeks of valerian in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMar 1–Mar 8
- BorageFeb 15–Feb 22
- RosemaryMar 1–Mar 8
- DillFeb 8–Feb 15
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)Feb 22–Mar 1
- Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks)Feb 22–Mar 1
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b 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 | Feb 11–Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | About 2 years after planting |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | 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)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Valerian in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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