How to grow Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

It is best to start Valerian from division or rooted runners.3

Full sun or partial shade in rich soil. Dead head to prevent seeding, cut back in late autumn to tidy border. Starts into growth again in early spring. Cut Valerian plants back after flowering to limit self-sowing4.

In spring or fall Valerian will appreciate a layer of mulch,3 but doesn’t generally require much feeding.

Valerian needs at least 6 hours of sun a day. Valerian likes a soil that is rich in nitrogen and that drains well. Also Valerian appreciates plenty of moisture. This plant also should be mulched in spring and in fall. After a few years the plants may start to look raggedy so then it is time for some tough love. Be aware that Valerian is said to attract mice and rats.3

Growing Valerian from seed

If not direct seeding, start indoors in flats. Plant seed 3/8 inch (less than 1cm) deep and keep at a temperature 65-68 degrees F. Higher temperature may lower germination percentage. The seeds are frost hardy. They germinate close to the surface as they require a bit of light, but watch for birds.3 Also, the seeds do not keep well, so are best sown when fresh3.

Transplanting Valerian

Transplant outdoors in early spring when plants are 5-6 inches tall. Can be direct seeded in spring or fall.

Suitable for a sunny well drained position, ideal in pots and tubs.
Very tall, use towards the back of the border, can tolerate some shade and damp ground

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Valerian is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Valerian

Valerian for medicinal use is harvested by drying the rhizomes in the autumn. If growing for the rhizomes, do not allow the plant to flower4. Rhizome and roots can be dug after plants go dormant in their second or third seasons4. Dry the roots and rhizomes outside, as the smell can be unpleasant.

Seed Saving Valerian

Valerian seeds are wind-carried, and disperse easily. For smaller quantities of seed, check the plant daily once flowers have set to seed; for larger, bag the flower stalk. Cut Valerian plants back after flowering to limit self-sowing.

How long does Valerian take to grow?

These estimates for how long Valerian takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Valerian to germinate?
28 days

Average 28 days | Min 8 days | Max 78 days (5)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Valerian?
+ 63 days

Average 63 days | Min 57 days | Max 78 days (5)

Days to Maturity How long until Valerian is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 700 days

Average 700 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Valerian?
= 791 days

Valerian Etymology

The botanical epithet is from the Latin officinalis meaning “used medicinally”

Valerian is derived from a Latin adjectival form of the personal name Valerius, according to the Oxford English Dictionary (second edition 1989).2

Valerian Folklore & Trivia

It is most commonly used as a sleep aid, muscle relaxant, and herbal anti-anxiety. While the roots are not pleasant smelling, the flowers are fragrant and have been used as a spice and perfume since at least the 16th century2.

Cats love Valerian almost as much as they love catnip. It also attracts vermin like mice and rats.3

Other names for Valerian

Garden valerian, Garden heliotrope, All-heal, Amantilla, Baldrian, Common valerian, English valerian, Fragrant valerian, Set well, St. George's herb, Vandal root

Valeriana officinalis L.

Misspellings: Vallerian, Valirean, Valarian

Footnotes

1 Illinois Wildflowers

2 Wikipedia

3 The Herb Gardener Blog

4 Growing valerian from seed


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