Herb · Caprifoliaceae family
Common valerian
Valeriana officinalis
In short a 10-second read
spacing 60 cm
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Soil
Watering
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Plant 60 cm apart.
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–August · white or pink
Sowing
direct sowing: March–May, August–September
Planting
container plant: March–November; division: March–April, September–October
What to plant now (March) full list in March (285) →What to plant now (April) full list in April (324) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (186) →What to plant now (June) full list in June (58) →What to plant now (July) full list in July (26) →What to plant now (August) full list in August (25) →What to plant now (September) full list in September (147) →What to plant now (October) full list in October (244) →What to plant now (November) full list in November (147) →
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common valerian flower?
In June–August; the flowers are white or pink.
When do I sow common valerian?
In March–May, August–September (direct sowing).
Does common valerian tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does common valerian need?
At maturity 0.6–1.2 m wide and 0.9–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Sources (13) Checked 19 October 2026
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- missouribotanicalgarden.org
- rhs.org.uk
- pladias.cz
- api.gbif.org
- samen-maier.at 2
- ema.europa.eu 2
- yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EASIN 2, Slovakia
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · common valerian
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: root
For: mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly
- What you use
- Herb
- How it is used
- By mouth
- Single dose
- 0.3–3 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water
- How often
- Up to 3× a day
Method
- 1
Put 0.3–3 g of dried root in a cup.
- 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
10:00 - 4
Drink up to 3× a day.
For: mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly
- What you use
- Herb
- How it is used
- By mouth
- Single dose
- 0.3–3 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water
- When
- Before bedtime
Method
- 1
Put 0.3–3 g of dried root in a cup.
- 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
- 4
Drink before bedtime.
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: root | 0.3–3 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water | up to 3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | ||
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: root | 0.3–3 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | When: before bedtime | ||
| Children under 12: not recommended | |||||
Who should not use it
- Children under 12: not recommended
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)
Cautions
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.
- May impair the ability to drive and use machines.
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried root, chopped
Cover with alcohol
ethanol 60 %, in a glass jar
Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
Strain
press out the herb, label the bottle with name and date
Use
up to 3× a day · from 12 years
Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Children under 12: not recommended
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.
- May impair the ability to drive and use machines.
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA) monograph — Valerianae radix · Steeping days and straining. Conversions (grams per 100 ml) are calculated by GridGarden from the ratio in the monograph. Cautions not in the monograph were added by GridGarden.