Guide to growing Valerian - Valeriana
Valeriana are hardy perennials that reach from 15 to 90cm in height.
They bloom in the summer and carry clustered heads of tiny white or pink flowers on branches.
Some of the common varieties of Valeriana grown in the garden include Valerian and Garden Heliotrope.
How to grow Valerian
If you plant to grow Valerian from seeds outdoors then sow at the start of spring and lightly cover the seeds. The spacing that you sow at depends on the species of Valeriana, sow small ones from 15cm to 30cm apart, and larger species from 45cm to 60cm apart. Ideally Valerian should grow in a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden that has a moist rich soil; pH should be from 5.5 to 7.
If first growing Valerian indoors then start about three months in advance. The germination time of Valerian is about three weeks when done at a germination temperature of 20 to 23 degrees centigrade. Transplant the young Valerian seedlings into the garden following the last frost.
Caring for Valerian
It is pretty easy to look after Valeriana plants such as Valeriana and Garden heliotrope. They like a moist soil so keep them well watered; stake larger Valeriana; dead head flowers before seed set; divide every three years to maintain vigour. If you want to propagate Valerian then divide in spring or autumn.