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When to Plant Valerian in Fort Bragg, North Carolina (28310)

Location

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

ZIP Code

28310

USDA Zone

8a

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 3, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Start Valerian seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

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

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

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 Fort Bragg?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 23, 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 →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

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

Processing

Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1 week, shake to release seeds. Seeds are very light — 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.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Valerian. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Valerian in Fort Bragg, North Carolina? +

In Fort Bragg (Zone 8a), start Valerian seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fort Bragg, North Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Fort Bragg, North Carolina (ZIP 28310) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Valerian take to grow? +

Valerian typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Fort Bragg, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 3, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Valerian indoors or direct sow in North Carolina? +

Valerian should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Fort Bragg, that means starting around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Other Plants for Fort Bragg

Growing Valerian in Zone 8a

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Valerian seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.