Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Family: Valerian (Valerianaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 8.

Herbaceous perennial native to Europe and temperate Asia.  Traditional usage (TWM): sedative.  This is the standard European wild form of the plant.  Valerian prefers full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained soils.  I have seen excellent clumps form, during a wet spring, on the peak of a pile of ground pumice.  However, regular garden soil amended with organic compost will do nicely.  The plant adapts rather well to a wide range of conditions.  Seed is short-lived and should  be sown within a year of receipt.  Light dependent germinator.  Sow in spring, tamped securely into surface, and keep evenly moist until germination, which occurs in 10 to 16 days.  Seedling leaves look very un-valerian at first and some folks are confused.  But have faith, in time the leaves will become divided and much more closely resemble the standard form of the plant. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart.  Flowers white in the second year to a height of 5 feet or more.

packet contains 100 seeds

Certified Organically Grown