Valerian is a perennial medicinal herb, long valued for its traditional uses. It's hardy across USDA zones 4 through 9 and stands up to deer. Its summer flowers are a moderate draw for honeybees, native bees, and butterflies.
Zones
4-9
pH Range
5-7.5
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
120
Score Valerian on your exact land.
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What Valerian is
Valerian grows as a perennial and reaches around four feet at maturity. It blooms pink in summer. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Valerian
Valerian grows in USDA zones 4 through 9 and is ready to harvest about 120 days after planting. Valerian does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground. It needs around 800 growing degree days to mature, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
4-9
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
5 - 7.5
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost Tolerance
41°F
plant_species_v5.csv
Days to Maturity
120 days
plant_species_v5.csv
GDD Required
800+
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
4 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
0+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant valerian in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Valerian prefers pH 5 to 7.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Harvest at its peak
Harvest the part you grow valerian for — flower, leaf, or root — at its seasonal peak.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — valerian is toxic to dogs and cats (mild severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Valerian offers moderate value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Valerian thrives
Valerian is hardy across USDA zones 4 through 9. Zone is only the starting point, though: the soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific land decide how well it actually does.
Zones 4–9·Where Valerian growsOpen map →
On USDA hardiness-zone overlap, Valerian can grow in these states:
See if Valerian will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether valerian actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Valerian in my zone?
Valerian grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 (USDA PHZM 2023). Zone is one factor — soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific parcel also shape whether it takes.
How long does Valerian take to grow?
Valerian is ready to harvest about 120 days after planting (University Extension production guides). Your local frost dates and soil temperature move that window earlier or later.
When should you plant Valerian?
Most growers plant valerian after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Valerian need?
Valerian needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does Valerian need?
Valerian prefers soil pH 5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Valerian attract pollinators?
Yes — valerian's flowers are a solid nectar source for honeybees, native bees, and butterflies (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Valerian safe for pets?
Valerian is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with mild severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.