Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Valerian — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Valeriana officinalis |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 12.8–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 150–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Use the freshest seed available, as viability declines within a year; surface-sow and keep cool and moist for best germination. Plants grow very tall in their second year and may need staking in windy locations; keep soil consistently moist and add compost annually. Remove flower heads in the first year to direct energy into root development. Harvest roots in the second autumn after the tops die back, washing and slicing them for drying; the characteristic musky odor intensifies as the root dries.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0