Growing Valerian

7/29/2019 Growing Valerian

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GROWING VALERIAN

GROWING V A L E R I A N

(mightygarden.com)

Growing Valerian needs a bit of effort while starting, but very easy to care once established fully.

This plant is botanically called as Valeriana Officinalis. This is a perennial garden plant. This

fragrant plant grows in the clumps. It is also termed as garden heliotrope. It is very attractive and

adds visual appeal to the garden display. It is grown as an excellent medicinal herb. This plant adds

best color to the flower bed. It produces various shades of blooms such as pink, red and white; and

the green leaves. This plant keeps propagating itself for several years.

Select a sunny spot to grow these plants. The area has to be well-drained. Collect the root

divisions from the healthy plants at nursery or from the other same plants.The area where you want to plant Valerian, add some good compost to improve soil quality. Dig

the holes into the soil to place these runners or roots. Set the plant starters in the garden area keeping

a minimum distance of 15 inches between the two holes. Firm the garden soil properly around plant

roots. After plating the plants, water them deeply and thoroughly. These plants do well in the

sufficient water supply. Water the plants two or three times every week. During heavy rainy days,

lower the water application and during the dry hot days, increase it depending on the requirements

of the plants.


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During growing season, add the Valerian plants with liquid fertilizers containing high amount

of nitrogen. Apply these fertilizers effectively as per the instructions on their labels.

Once the blooms occur on the Valerian plants, deadhead them so that the energy used by the

plants to produce blooms will be used to produce healthy roots. The valerian plants normally take

two years to produce the blooms. Plants produce green lush foliage during the mean time between

planting and blooming.

Allow these plants to produce flowers for approximately three years; then dig the area to divide

the roots. Replant the divided roots in the soil added with fresh compost. While planting the roots

in the garden, take care that they are overcrowded.

If you want to take the plant roots for harvesting, dig up the garden soil when it is moist. These

roots are actually the stems or rhizomes that spread underground. Take the roots out carefully

without damaging them and making them lose the track of their terminal endings. These roots can

be used fresh or dried out. The fresh roots can be added to boiling water by chopping them and can

be mixed with the tea. The roots can be dried by keeping them in the cool, dry and well-ventilated

places. While drying these roots, do not allow the temperature to go beyond 50 /Celsius. After

drying, store these roots in the air-tight containers, light-proof bags, plastic bags or the glass

containers. While storing the roots, take care that they should be protected from air, heat, light and

moisture. Benefits of growing Valerian:

The boiled roots of Valerian in water are used as facewash for the sore skin.

It is used successfully to relieve symptoms of few epilepsy types.

It is used in reducing restlessness, anxiety and nervous tension.

This is used in relieving disorders of the digestive system and stomach cramps because this plant

has the antispasmodic properties.

The oil prepared from Valerian is used as the cholera drops to treat cholera.

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HOW TO GROW VALERIAN (VALERIANA OFFICINALIS) (gardenexpert.com)

Valerian is grown as a medicinal herb, but it also produces sweetly-scented flowers which can

be used as decorative cut-flowers for the home. Unfortunately its leaves and roots emit a foul odour,

making it not everyone's choice of garden flower to grow. Also known as garden heliotrope,

Valerian are big plants, with striking, architectural leaves that can certainly make them stand out in

any flower border. They can be grown from seed, although germination rates are uneven and poor.

Once you have a healthy plant growing, Valeriana officinalis reproduces itself through seed and

through its underground root system. Daughter plants appear around the parent plant with unfailingregularity, and should be dug up and re-planted elsewhere as soon as they are spotted.

Cats are as fond of Valerian as they are of catmint, so if you are trying to deter cats from your

garden, you may wish to give this plant a miss.


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How to Grow Valerian

Valerian grows best in USDA zones 5 - 9, or equivalent. They require a weed-free environment,

because they are slow growing and are easily out-competed by fast-growing weeds. They hate acid

soil, so if your garden has a pH of less than 7, you may wish to consider growing Valerian in

neutral-compost filled pots.

Nitrogen-hungry always, your garden heliotrope will need regular feeding, in order for it to give

its best.

Seed germination is slow and erratic, but you can help by making sure the compost in which they

lie is always moist, as Valerian loves water.

If you live in an area of high rainfall, and can provide good garden drainage, Valerian plants will

love growing in your garden.

If growing-on plants, look out for daughter plants appearing next to the parent, and dig up and

transplant in either spring or autumn.

Valeriana officinalis are big plants that grow to 5' high, and need space to grow and reach their

maximum potential.

They can become invasive where they find ideal growing conditions. To stop them from

self-seeding, cut off all flowers before they can set seed.

I love highly scented plants, and Valeriana officinalis is among one of the most powerful with

the sweet scent of cloves or, as has sometimes been described, cherry pie.

Valerian Medicinal Uses

Valerian is one of those plants which have been used since time immemorial as a sedative agent.

In fact, modern day medicine is built around plants such as Valerian.

Its roots are used for their sedative, calming effects. Said to induce sleep, it is effective on dogs

as well as humans, simply by adding a little chopped up root to their meals. If your beloved pet is

hyperactive with an underlying anxiety problem, a teaspoon of Valerian root added to its food could

have a profound effect on your dog.

As the root smells and tastes vile, it can be mixed with a little peanut butter to make it more

palatable.


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Valerian has been used effectively for headaches, migraines, convulsions, anxiety, and

sleeplessness.

I would caution that if you are planning on using home-grown Valerian root for

self-administration, that you read up all you can about dosage and the safe amount to take. When

you buy Valerian preparations in the shops, there is normally very little of the active ingredients

present, otherwise it would not be available to buy over the counter.

How to Dry and Store Valerian Root

Place a clothes-peg over your nose, and dig up a Valerian plant. Tease the roots apart, wash well,

and place in a warm, dry place (out of reach of cats who will scratch it to pieces) until it is

completely dried out.

Chop into small enough pieces to fit into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid that you can store in

a dark place - a kitchen cupboard is ideal.

When required, take out a piece and finely chop it up any way you can, and give about a teaspoon

to your dog, mixed in its food.

If it is for yourself, to aid sleep perhaps, mix it with something pleasant, like jam, to disguise the

taste.

Normally, Valerian is available in health food stores as a tincture which is much easier to take.

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PLANT PROFILE - VALERIAN (bio-africa.com)

Valerian grows from a short rhizome to 2 m high, flowers, and then dies. It grows from Spring

till the next Autumn. Valerian has pinnately-divided leaves with six to 10 pairs of lance-shaped

leaflets, and bears small white or pink fragrant flowers. These heads bear small (5 mm) tapered seeds

that are spread by wind. The fresh root has the appearance of a mass of long, white, relativelytangled roots, up to 5 mm in diameter and 30 cm long, with a very distinctive and strong penetrating

odour.

Uses

The oil is used in the flavour and pharmaceutical industries, with limited quantities used in the

fragrance industry. Valerian extracts and the essential oil are used in flavouring components in most

major food product groups including alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, meat and meat products,

frozen dairy desserts, sweets and baked goods. Store in closed containers protected from light, air,

and moisture. Although the essential oil is relatively stable, it can evaporate with excessive exposure

to air. The essential oil can degrade quickly in powdered material. In powdered root, the essential

oil content can decrease by 50% within 6 months. Valepotriates are sensitive to humidity,temperatures above 40C, and acid mediums (pH < 3) and are generally not detected in commercial

products after 60 days.

Planting

When sown in Spring and growing in favourable conditions, Valerian plants grow large enough

for harvesting in the following autumn. Sowing should be undertaken into fine, firm, weed-free land,

which is rolled after sowing. Plant 3kg of seeds per ha using a mechanical planter. Valerian seed


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should be sown close to the surface to aid germination. The seed takes 2-3 weeks to germinate. Once

the plant starts growing it requires little management. Valerian requires fertile soil, the following

need to be applied:

100-150 kg/ha of nitrogen, in split applications during the growing season

100kg/ha of phosphorus and 200kg/ha of potassium fertiliser during soil preparationA fertiliser containing NPKS in a ratio of 15:10:10:8 applied at 500 kg/ha

These will provide adequate initial nutrition tied to a follow-up dressing of nitrogen.

Growing

Valerian can be easily propagated, grown and harvested. It is not particular about soil type, and

will grow in many climates hot or cold, wet or dry - providing that it gets sufficient water and

nitrogen. Valerian thrives best in rich, heavy loams with adequate moisture but with free drainage.

For ease of post harvest root washing, a relatively loose soil with low clay content is ideal. In the

absence of irrigation, soil will also need to have good water-holding capacity. Cutting off the

flowering tops before the plant has set seed causes the rhizome to develop more fully. Good weedcontrol is essential to achieve acceptable yields of valerian.

Drying

For maximum preservation of the essential oils, valerian should be dried at 40C with a flow rate

of 0.05 kg/sec/m2. Alternatively, drying at room temperature (20C) for approximately 10 days,

shade drying at approximately 45 C, low temperature vacuum-drying, and freeze-drying are also

appropriate drying techniques. When dried at 50 C as compared with drying at 20 C, there is a

50% decrease in essential oil content. Properly dried valerian will produce valerianic aroma over

time.

Extraction

The essential oil is located in the hypodermis of the rhizome in large thin-walled cells. Because

of this, care must be taken not to damage these cells during handling. Excess washing of the roots

can result in a significant reduction of extractive matter. The sensitivity of volatile oils to heat, it is

necessary to minimise the amount of time generated in the grinding or powdering process by doing

small lots at a time, with frequent interruptions in run times, or by utilizing a cryogenic grinder.

Valerian oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the dried, ground roots and yield is reported

to be between 0.4 and 0.7%.

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VALERIANA OFFICINALIS (growingherbs.com)

The Herb Valerian has become one of our best known herbal tranquilizers. Valerian Plant has

been used as a medicinal herb since the time of ancient Rome and Greece. In ancient Greek times

the remedy was known as phu. Hippocrates described its properties as a remedy for insomnia. By

medieval times Valerian had become known as "all heal," and was used for its effect on the nervous

system.

Recent research has indicated a beneficial effect on the heart and the ability of Valerian to lower

high blood pressure. The most common use of Valerian today is in commercially prepared herbal


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supplements to be taken as a sleep aid.

Valerian tea is made from the valerian root known for its unpleasant odor. Valerian has a

balancing effect on the entire nervous system. Valerian is considered safe and non-addictive and

produces no dulling or mind-deadening side effects. The essential oil in valerian contains isovaleric

acid which has a direct effect on the central nervous system. Valerian tea owes its calming effect to

a group of agents called valepotriates that are found only in species of valerian.

Dried Valerian root tea can be made with either cold or hot water. Valerian tea using cold water:

Pour 1 cup of cold water over 2 tsp. of cut valerian root; allow it to stand for 12 hours.

Valerian tea using hot water: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 Tbsp. chopped valerian root;

cover and allow it to steep for 30 minutes.

The calming effect of the tea will be evident when you drink at least 3 cups a day. The valerian

tea produces a balancing, revitalizing effect.

USDA Growing Zone for Valerian:

USDA Plant Maturity Zones: Planting Zones 4 to 9

Sunset Western Garden Zones: Planting Zones 1 to 24

Plant Type; Valerian plant identification and identifying valerian: The herb Valerian is a

flowering hardy perennial which blooms from June to September. Valerian can grow to be 5 ft

(1.5m) tall and almost as wide. It produces heads of sweet-smelling white or pink flowers which

grow on tall and hollow, straight stems rising above the foliage. The light green leaves, each with

eight to ten pairs of jagged-edged, narrow leaflets, stay close to the ground.

Valerian grows wild in damp meadows and ditches or near streams and creeks.

Valerian can become invasive in the garden if not controlled.

Best Soil Type for growing valerian: Garden Valerian grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil.

Propagating Valerian: Grow Valerian from seed in the spring. Propagate Valerian by Root

division in the fall.

Harvesting valerian: There is no practical method by which Valerian can be harvested by the

average herb gardener.

Drying and storage of valerian: Should not be attempted.

Medicinal Uses of valerian: You are best advised to consult a professional for guidance in the

use of Valerian as a medicinal herb. This is especially important if your condition is chronic or

long-term.

Commercial capsules of Valerian can be taken for insomnia, depression, and minor nervous

disorders like anxiety. Research has shown a beneficial effect on the heart and blood pressure.

Valerian is also said to help stress-related conditions of the bowel, such as irritable bowel syndrome

or spastic colon.

Valerian may also be added to bath water to help relieve nervousness and to induce sleep.

Valerian can also be boiled and the steam can be inhaled to produce the same effect.


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Valerian is found most often in medicines provided to help with insomnia; while doing so it also

has provided some interesting dreams. The herb to take for a good night's sleep and memorable

dreams is Valerian.

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HOW TO GROW VALERIAN (gardenguides.com)Valerian, also known as garden heliotrope, is a fragrant perennial herb that grows in clumps.

Valerian produces pale pink flowers that are heavily fragrant, smelling somewhat similar to a

mixture of cloves and vanilla. Valerian grows up to 5 feet tall and 1 foot wide, and the flowers

bloom from June through September. The stringy roots of this European and Northern Asia native

herb are harvested for their medicinal properties, often used as a sedative or sleep aide.

Step 1. Prepare a planting site in full sunlight for the valerian plants by working some aged

manure or organic compost into the soil down about 12 inches deep. Dig planting holes for your

valerian that are the same size and width as the nursery containers or root balls.

Step 2. Space the valerian plants about 1 foot apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Gently firm

the soil around the roots, and water the soil thoroughly and deeply after planting.

Step 3. Water your valerian lightly two to three times each week to supplement rainfall. Water

the herbs more deeply during times of drought or dry spells. Don't allow the soil to dry out around

the valerian plants. Valerians need constant but light moisture.

Step 4. Feed your valerian a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer once each month during the growing

season. Apply the fertilizer when you water the valerian and according to the dosage instructions

on the label.

Step 5. Snip off the flowers after they fade. You can dig up and divide the valerian clumps in the

spring or fall to replant them elsewhere.

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GROWING VALERIAN HERB IN YOUR GARDEN (essential_herb_garden.com)

Valerian is most commonly known for its sedative and calming qualities and as such is frequently

used as a successful remedy for insomnia. Valerian is a perennial herb and is native to North

America, Europe and Asia. It has an unpleasant smell as it contains valeric acid which is present

in human perspiration.

Growing Valerian

It is difficult to germinate valerian from seed but you can divide the roots and successfully plant.

Initially, the branches of the valerian plant will end in a flower and these flowers will shoot aerial

roots that will create new plants when rooted in soil.

When growing valerian for the use of its roots and rhizome (the section of the stem just above

the surface of the ground), you should remove the flowering stems as soon as they appear. This will

encourage the roots of the valerian to grow and thicken.

Young valerian plants will probably not flower for the first couple of years but they will still

produce dense foliage and give a good sized rhizome and root in the autumn.


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Conditions for growing Valerian

Valerian can grow almost anywhere from damp areas to rocky high ground.

Valerian Foliage

The leaves of valerian are a rich green and the plant has tight pale pink clusters of flowers which

will bloom from June to September.

Valerian is a tall herb with the stems growing up and out from the middle of the plant. The

flowers grow on one central stem and can grow up to 1.5m in height.

Medicinal Uses for Valerian

As mentioned previously, valerian can be used successfully and safely as an aid to sleep. It is a

non addictive option for those who suffer from insomnia and therefore is widely embraced and will

not leave you with the `groggy' feeling the next morning.

Boil valerian root in water, cool and use as a wash for sore skin.

Valerian has also been used with some success in helping relieve symptoms of certain typesof epilepsy.

Use valerian to reduce nervous tension, restlessness and anxiety.

Valerian can also be used to help relieve stomach cramps and digestive system disorders as

valerian has antispasmodic properties.

Positive results have also been obtained when using valerian to combat diverticulosis and

irritable bowel syndrome.

Other known successes include are St Vitus's Dance and neuralgia.

The oil of the valerian plant has been used as a remedy for cholera, in the form of cholera

drops.

Valerian Root and Insomnia

Valerian has proven to be a very effect measure in combating insomnia and sleeplessness due to

its calming and sedative properties.

Domestic Uses for Valerian

Cats are attracted to a chemical in valerian which has an effect on their nervous system. They find

valerian irresistible and will roll in the plant if the leaves have been disturbed or bruised, releasing

the scent.

Rats are also attracted to valerian in the same way, so much so, that valerian is used by ratcatchers to lure their prey into the rat trap!!

Harvesting and Preserving Valerian

The roots of the valerian plant can be dug up and dried out for use in the various ways mentioned

above.

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GUIDE TO GROWING VALERIAN - Valeriana (plant_biology.com)

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 ValerianIf 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 likea 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.

VALERIAN (gardensablaze.com)

Valerian, or garden Heliotrope, is an member of a species of about 200 plants. Valeriana

Officinalis, which we will deal with here, is an attractive perennial with merits in both the

ornamental and medicinal herb garden. Unfortunately, the whole plant, with the exception of the

flower, has a putrid, rotted cheese.....smelly sock odor. In fact, the smell is bad enough for the earlyGreeks to have named it Phu (Phew!). But offensive smells are apparently individualistic, because

if your cat finds this plant, they will worry it to death because they LOVE the smell. Once they find

it, they will stomp, roll, and frisk around the plant until it gives up the ghost. They apparently find

the smell of dirty socks intoxicating, so if you are the crafty type and want to please your feline,

make an herbal pillow out of Valerian, and your cat will provide you with hours of entertainment!

Conversely, Valerian also attracts rats, and some people plant it on the borders of their property to

lure the rats away from the home.

Valerian obviously has no culinary uses because of the smell. However, it is a major player in

the herbal medicine cabinet as a sedative, anti-depressant, and tranquilizer, and has been used for

over 1,000 years for these purposes. In America, we have not tested these properties adequately,

but in other parts of the world, Valerian is a standard for care for stress, sleep, and relaxationpurposes. Please see the Medicinal Uses page for more information.

Valerian is an easy to grow plant but requires fertile, weed-free soil. It is a heavy

nitrogen-feeder, so fertilize accordingly. If growing as a medicinal herb, cut flower stalks as soon

as they appear to direct more energy to the root, but if growing as an ornamental, let the plant

flower, as the flowers have a sweet, cherry pie fragrance, a trademark of the Heliotrope family.

Propagate Valerian by runner or crown division in spring or fall. Small daughter plants can also


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be harvested at the end of summer. Transplant to at least a foot apart, as these plants grow up to 5

feet tall and a foot wide at maturity. Valerian can also be propagated by seed, but germination rate

is poor. The seedlings are frost hardy, however, so take advantage of early spring rains if you want

to try sowing directly into the garden by seed. Given the right conditions, Valerian will self-sow

with little attention, but overcrowding will make for a sorry show, so do dig and renew by division

every three years or so.Valerian roots can be harvested in the spring or fall. Wash, then quickly dry at 120 degrees in

the oven until brittle. Watch this closely so you don't burn the roots. When stored in an airtight

container, the roots will keep indefinitely.

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Growing Valerian