Valerian Valeriana officinalis

How to sow valerian: Direct seed or divide roots. If starting seeds indoors, harden off before transplanting seedlings outside.

Sun requirement for valerian: Plant in Partial Sun

Valerian has been planted 1 time by Growstuff members.

Valerian is a perennial flowering plant grown for its roots, which have been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and pain since Ancient Greece. Valerian produces sweet, aromatic pink and white flowers in the spring. Cut flowers before they go to seed to prevent plants from becoming invasive. Roots are harvested in autumn or winter of the plant's second year, after vegetation has died back. Valerian is very cold-hardy, surviving temperatures as low as -34.4° C. Seeds are usually sown outdoors in the autumn and allowed to overwinter. If sowing seeds indoors, cold-stratification is necessary.