Valerian is an easy-growing species of perennial plants that originated from Europe and Asia. It is most commonly found in the wild, and it produces white, purple or pink flowers. Growing valerian plants in your backyard is easy.
The root of the Valerian plant has amazing herbal properties; hence, why the plant is increasing in popularity.
Valerian root is an excellent remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia; It can also be used as a natural sedative and pain reliever. Apart from the roots, Valerian flowers can be useful as well.
They are beautiful and will definitely improve the appearance of your garden.
The good news is, you can cultivate and harvest these wonder plants right in your backyard with no stress. Follow the tips listed below to grow your own Valerian plants.
1. Picking the right location and appropriate soil type for planting
Valerian plants are hardy; therefore, they will do quite well in almost any soil type. However, it will be helpful to ensure the soil is well-drained, constantly moist, and rich in compost.
Locate an area that receives at least, six hours of direct sunlight during the day and is shaded a bit in the afternoon.
2. Planting
Growing Valerian herbs is quite easy. To start with, purchase Valerian seedlings from a garden store. Alternatively, if you want to start from seed indoors, you can buy Valerian seeds instead, although growing with this method is fairly difficult.
For seed planting, sow Valerian seeds in a seed-starting mix of your choice with the surface barely covered. Constantly water the soil till the seeds begin to germinate.
Once the seedlings are mature enough, move them to soil that is frost free, and plant them with one metre spacing between each plant.
To grow Valerian plants via seedlings directly, purchase seedlings and keep them indoors until they begin to grow their second set of leaves.
Once they reach that stage, transplant the seedlings into holes that are as deep as their roots, and are spaced 90 centimeters apart.
3. Maintenance and care of Valerian plants
Once the seedlings emerge (if you’re growing from seed), place a wire mesh over it to keep birds from eating them.
These herb plants are self-growing; therefore, trim flowers as they grow in order to prevent them from spreading seeds everywhere,
Valerian plants enjoy lots of water; hence, ensure you always satisfy their needs by watering them frequently. Carry out regular weeding to eliminate competitive plants.
One thing that makes Valerian plants easy to grow, even for beginners, is the fact that they are pest and disease resistant.
4. Harvesting Valerian plants
Valerian roots and leaves are typically ready for harvest, one year after they are first planted. Before harvesting, do not water the plants for some days.
This ensures the compounds in the Valerian plants are more pronounced and effective.
To harvest Valerian plants, just loosen the soil around them, and pull out. Separate the root from the rest of the plant, and cut into smaller pieces.
Spread these pieces out to dry for two to three months. However, as Valerian roots have a characteristic bad smell, they can’t be stored in your house.
