Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Growing Valerian
• Part 2 of 3: Planting Valerian
• Part 3 of 3: Harvesting Valerian
• What do you need

Valerian is a thorny plant known for its medicinal properties and large flowers. Although generally difficult to grow, valerian is considered a hardy plant. After a few years, valerian roots are harvested and used as a sedative.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Growing Valerian

1. 1 Buy valerian seedlings or seeds from a gardening store. It is usually sold in the herbal department. Valerian seeds are finicky, so it's best to buy seedlings.
2. 2 Consider collecting “daughter” plants or root cuttings from older plants. If valerian grows in your area, you can easily find young plants in the spring. Dig up the root system and plant in your garden after the last frost.
3. 3 Sprout your seeds at home. Buy fresh seeds that are less than one year old. Unlike other herbal seeds, valerian seeds do not store well.
   • Plant the seeds in a rich potting soil 4-8 weeks before you want to plant in your garden.
   • Water the soil with warm water and keep the plants in the sun. Fluorescent lights and light can aid germination.
   • If the house is cool, you can try making a mini greenhouse for the seeds using plastic wrap.
4. 4 Store the seedlings in the house until the second (larger) tier of leaves begins to sprout.

Part 2 of 3: Planting Valerian

1. 1 Improve the soil with compost or manure. Valerian usually does not require a lot of fertilization. The soil should be with an acidity level between 5.5 and 7.0.
2. 2 Find a bed that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. A place that is in the shade in the afternoon is great for plants.
3. 3 Plant the plants about 90 cm apart. apart. Valerian plants are large plants and therefore require ample space for root growth. If the variety you are planting does not tend to grow up to 1.2m, you can plant the plants closer together.
4. 4 Plant the valerian where it can grow tall. She can release shoots, so it is better to move the planting site away from the vegetables or flower garden. Collecting flowers can prevent overgrowth.
   • Valerian leaves and roots are known for their strong, musty odor. The flowers may smell like vanilla, but too strong for some gardeners. Keep this in mind before planting in your yard.
5. 5 Enclose the seedlings with a mesh cage to prevent birds from eating them.
6. 6 Water well. Valerian likes well-drained soil and plenty of water. Water every few days if it's not raining.

Part 3 of 3: Harvesting Valerian

1. 1 Cut valerian flowers to use in bouquets. As a result, the plant will not produce seeds and will not grow much. The roots will also become more powerful if you are going to use them for sleeping pills.
   • Using scissors, cut off the flowers near the base of the stem.
   • Valerian blooms in early spring. You can get two or three flowers, depending on where the plant is planted and its age.
2. 2 Wait a year before harvesting roots and leaves for medical use. Drying root systems are harvested in the fall. Do not water the plants for several days before harvesting, so the natural substances will be more effective.
3. 3 Divide an adult plant in half with a shovel. You can also dig up old plants for medicinal purposes, and leave young shoots to grow over the next year.
4. 4 Dig deep to get the entire root system. Rinse roots with a hose before using for medicinal purposes.
5. 5 Use scissors to cut the roots into 1.5-2.5 cm pieces. Wash them thoroughly by soaking in a bowl.
6. 6 Lay them out on a rack to dry. Dry in a cool, dry place for two to three months. The roots are very sharp and should not be dried on the kitchen counter.
   • Simmer the roots for use as a sleeping pill.
   • You can also give some dried roots to cats that love them as much as catnip does.
7. 7 Pull the leaves for tea. Use pure fresh leaves as a soothing tea, or dry them to add to your tea blend.

What do you need

• Valerian seedlings
• Fresh Valerian Seeds
• Potting soil mix for seeds
• Cling film
• Manure / compost
• Mesh frame
• Water
• Gardening scissors
• Shovel
• Basement / Dryer
• Colander