Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) is a flowering plant that is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Valerian is not only a popular medicinal herb known for promoting sleep but its also a pretty ornamental perennial, excellent companion plant and attracts beneficial critters such as bees and earthworms.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Valeriana officinalis is also sometimes called Cat’s Love, Garden Heliotrope and simply Garden Valerian. There is another variety called Edible Valerian or Tobacco Root but that is under the botanical name Valeriana edulis and is a different species.
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Growth
Valeriana officinalis is a perennial flowering plant that grows to a height of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) by a width of around 1.2 metres (4 feet). Valerian grows easily in most soils and enjoys full sun or partial shade (especially if the location has extremely hot summers).
Depending on whether Valerian is grown as an ornamental or as a medicinal plant determines how the plant should be maintained. It is recommended for those growing the roots for medicine that the flower buds be picked off before flowering to ensure maximum quality.
When allowed to flower, Valerian takes around four months from seed but the roots are usually harvested during the Autumn of their second full growing season.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Caprifoliaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Most soil types but does better with a medium that drains well.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.5m (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2m (4 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
18-24 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1600
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes, the roots.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT VALERIANA OFFICINALIS (Valerian)
Valerian has been used in traditional medicine for centuries dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. The General History of Plants, a book written by John Gerard in 1597 suggested Valerian was a good treatment for bruises and convulsions.
Most modern natural therapists use Valerian as a treatment for insomnia and headaches. An essential oil is derived from the plants roots.
Medieval Sweden used Valerian to ward off envious elves by placing it in the clothes of the bridegroom.
Valerian is also highly attractive to cats and rats which can lure them away from undesirable places. The name is derived from the name Valeria and the Latin verb valere which translates to being strong and healthy.
The leaves of the Valerian plant are high in phosphorous which makes them valuable for those growing fruit or ornamental trees. Applying the dry leaves to the base of young trees will help produce strong and healthy roots.
Unfortunately, the smell of Valerian essential oil, tinctures or even the bruised leaves can sometimes have scent that is likened to smelly socks.
For more information about the uses and medicinal benefits of Valerian please click here.
