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When to Plant Valerian in Bird Island, Minnesota (55310)

Location

Bird Island, Minnesota

ZIP Code

55310

USDA Zone

4b

Last Frost

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Zone 4b

Pro tip: Start Valerian seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 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 Bird Island?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, March 10, 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 Bird Island, Minnesota? +

In Bird Island (Zone 4b), start Valerian seeds indoors around Tuesday, March 10, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Bird Island, Minnesota? +

The average last spring frost date for Bird Island, Minnesota (ZIP 55310) is around Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 4b.

How long does Valerian take to grow? +

Valerian typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Bird Island, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, May 19, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Valerian should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Bird Island, that means starting around Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Other Plants for Bird Island

Growing Valerian in Zone 4b

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Bird Island, Minnesota, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

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