📍 Fort Bragg, NC · Zone 8a · Last frost Friday, March 20, 2026
✏️ ChangeWhen 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
☀️ 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
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
🟢 EasyWhen 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.