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When to Plant Valerian in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania (17536)

Location

Kirkwood, Pennsylvania

ZIP Code

17536

USDA Zone

7a

Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

πŸ“… Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, February 13, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 24, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, April 10, 2026 Β· Zone 7a

Pro tip: Start Valerian seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 24, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Valeriana officinalis
Days to Maturity 365 days
Mature Height 36-60"
Spread 24"

β˜€οΈ Growing Requirements

β˜€οΈ

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

πŸ’§

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Valerian in Kirkwood?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, February 13, 2026.

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🀝 Good Companions

Vegetable GardenEarthworm attractor
🀝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Valerian

See which plants help Valerian thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips β†’

πŸ› οΈ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟒 Easy
βœ… Open-pollinated β€” seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest seed heads just as they begin to turn brown β€” they shatter quickly when fully ripe.

Processing

Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1 week, shake to release seeds. Seeds are very light β€” winnow carefully.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Valerian self-sows readily and can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.

πŸͺ΄

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4Γ—8 bed fits 8 plants of Valerian. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size β†’

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Valerian in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania? +

In Kirkwood (Zone 7a), start Valerian seeds indoors around Friday, February 13, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Kirkwood, Pennsylvania? +

The average last spring frost date for Kirkwood, Pennsylvania (ZIP 17536) is around Friday, April 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7a.

How long does Valerian take to grow? +

Valerian typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Kirkwood, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 24, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Valerian indoors or direct sow in Pennsylvania? +

Valerian should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Kirkwood, that means starting around Friday, February 13, 2026.

Other Plants for Kirkwood

Growing Valerian in Zone 7a

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Kirkwood, Pennsylvania, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, February 13, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, April 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Valerian seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.