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When to Plant Valerian in Buckingham, Virginia (23921)

Location

Buckingham, Virginia

ZIP Code

23921

USDA Zone

7b

Last Frost

Sunday, April 5, 2026

πŸ“… Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, April 5, 2026 Β· Zone 7b

Pro tip: Start Valerian seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, April 19, 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 Buckingham?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 8, 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 Buckingham, Virginia? +

In Buckingham (Zone 7b), start Valerian seeds indoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, April 19, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Buckingham, Virginia? +

The average last spring frost date for Buckingham, Virginia (ZIP 23921) is around Sunday, April 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7b.

How long does Valerian take to grow? +

Valerian typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Buckingham, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, April 19, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

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

Other Plants for Buckingham

Growing Valerian in Zone 7b

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Buckingham, Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, April 5, 2026. Plan to transplant your Valerian seedlings outdoors around Sunday, April 19, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.