A tall, graceful perennial known for its delicate clusters of white blooms and its centuries-old use in herbal medicine. The root of this plant is said to be useful for its calming properties and is commonly used in teas, tinctures and extracts that are said to assist with sleep and reduce anxiety. Valerian grows vigorously and easily in garden beds or herb borders, reaching heights of up to 1.5 metres in the right conditions. Bees and butterflies love the flowers, and cats often show great interest in the roots—much like catnip!

Where Can You Grow Valerian?
Valerian thrives in Zones 4–9 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. While it tolerates a range of conditions, it does best in moist, fertile garden beds and can be grown in both ornamental and medicinal gardens. A great companion plant and natural attractor of pollinators.

History and Historical Uses
Used since ancient Greece and Rome, valerian was told to be a go-to remedy for restlessness and insomnia. During the Middle Ages, it was also used to treat nervous conditions and hysteria. In modern herbalism, valerian root is popular in its use as a natural sleep aid, often included in calming blends and teas.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct seed in spring or autumn; plants overwinter easily.
Zones 5–7: Start indoors in early spring or sow outdoors once frost danger has passed.
Zones 3–4: Start indoors and transplant after last frost for best success.

How to Grow and Harvest Valerian
Planting: Sow seeds on the surface or just beneath soil; requires light for germination.
Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment, then water as needed.
Harvesting: Roots can be harvested in the second or third year, after flowering.
Maintenance: Deadhead flowers to prevent self-seeding unless naturalising.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Collect Seeds: Allow some flowers to go to seed; harvest when dry and brown.
Dry Thoroughly: Spread seed heads in a warm, dry area out of direct sunlight.
Store: Clean seeds and store in a cool, dry, dark place in paper envelopes or glass jars.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)