🌸 Valerian: Growing Guide
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) grows best in partial shade with moderate watering, and does well at −30 to 28 °C (−22 to 82 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Valeriana officinalis |
|---|---|
| Category | Medicinal |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 60 cm (24 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 28 °C (−22 to 82 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 100–180 cm (39–71 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | |||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | |||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–May.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
The root is traditionally used in herbal teas for relaxation. Cats love it! Attracts earthworms.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Valerian: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Valerian: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Valerian: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 60 cm (24 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Valerian: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Valerian: which plants grow well with it?
Angelica, Elderberry.
Plan your garden
Add Valerian to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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