500-550days to harvest
14–21 daysdays to germinate
Z4–7USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost and transplant after frost, or direct sow in spring once soil is workable

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular moisture during first season; drought-tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained loam or poor soil; tolerates clay and gravelly conditions
Spacing
18–24 inches
Height
3-5 feet
Season
Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Tan to brown (dried roots)
Shape
Long taproot with fibrous lateral roots
Flavour
Earthy, bitter root with slight peppery undertones; aroma is strong and grounding

In the kitchen

Herbal tea, tinctures, sleep blends, anxiety support formulations, traditional nervous system tonics

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Rarely troubled; occasional spider mites in very dry conditions
Diseases
Fungal root rot in poorly drained soil; powdery mildew in humid, stagnant air

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3April – MayJune – July—July – October
4March – AprilJune – July—July – October
5March – AprilMay – June—June – October
6March – AprilMay – June—June – November
7February – MarchApril – June—June – November
8February – MarchApril – May—May – December
9January – FebruaryMarch – April—April – December
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesValerian improves tomato growth and enhances fruit flavor through root secretions
CarrotsValerian enhances carrot growth and improves soil structure with its deep taproot
LettuceProvides beneficial shade for cool-season lettuce while attracting beneficial insects
CabbageAttracts beneficial insects that help control cabbage pests like cabbage worms
BeansValerian attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while beans fix nitrogen in soil
StrawberriesEnhances strawberry growth and flavor while attracting beneficial predatory insects
HerbsWorks well with most culinary herbs, creating beneficial microclimate and pest control
RosesAttracts beneficial insects and may help improve rose health and fragrance

Avoid

RadishesMay inhibit radish germination and growth through allelopathic compounds
OnionsStrong sulfur compounds from onions can interfere with valerian's growth
GarlicAllelopathic effects from garlic can suppress valerian's delicate seedling development

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Common Valerian?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Common Valerian suits these too.

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