Valerian in Zone 9a & 9b
Valeriana officinalis
When to plant valerian in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 4–Jan 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated harvest | Feb 21 '29–Feb 28 '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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · 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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