When to Plant Valerian in Corning, California (96021)

Location

Corning, California

ZIP Code

96021

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

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

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🌿 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 Corning?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

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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

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Corning, California? +

In Corning (Zone 9b), start Valerian seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 16, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Corning, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Corning, California (ZIP 96021) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Valerian take to grow? +

Valerian typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Corning, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Valerian should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Corning, that means starting around Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

📚 More Valerian Planting Guides

🗺️

Valerian in California

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Valerian Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Valerian in Zone 9b

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Corning, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

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