Valerian [valeriana officinalis]

Valerian is a very old perennial medicinal plant. It has been in Europe since the 4th century BC. Known. The medicinal herb has calming ingredients and is used as a natural pain-relieving sleep aid and nerve-soothing relaxant. It is often prepared in the form of a tea. Valerian is an easy-care swamp and wet meadow plant and is therefore used to changing conditions of wet and dry. The plant attracts many insects such as beetles, butterflies and hoverflies to the garden. Valerian grows throughout Europe, especially in moorland meadows, on river and stream banks.

General information
Plant family: Valerianaceae
Lifecycle: Perennial
Days until harvest: 200 days
Plant hight approx: 150 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: until -20°C
Location: Semi shady until sunny
Soil: Heavy, moist, loamy, sandy, rich in nutrients

pH value: 6 to 7

Information on sowing and planting
Germ type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Best germination temperature: 15-25°C
Germination time: 10-20 days
Plant-, row distance: 40x50 cm

Optimal mix culture: Bean, Dill, Pea, Potato, Cabbage
Unfavorable mix culture: Lambs lettuce, Wormwood

Planting information
In areas with mild winters, valerian is sown in spring at temperatures of 15 to 25 ° C from March to May or in autumn from September to October. In northern, cooler areas, sowing takes place at identical temperatures in spring after the last frosts in May to June. Direct sowing, broadcast sowing or row sowing are recommended. Seedlings require regular watering, after which the plants can be left drier. It is undemanding, does not need any special care and thrives in partially shaded to sunny locations.
As a typical swamp and wet meadow plant, valerian prefers moist, heavy and nutrient-rich soils, which can also be flooded at times. It is used to variable wet conditions and can also cope with drier soil in the garden. Tends to seed heavily.

Other names
Latin botanical names: valeriana officinalis
English names: Valerian
German names: Baldrian, Katzenkraut
Portuguese names: Valeriana
Spanish names: Valeriana
French names: Valériane

Ingredients
Valerian contains essential oil, valepotriates and alkaloids. The flavonoid linarin has a sedative effect and is responsible for the main effect on humans. The medicinally important part of the valerian plant are the leaves and roots.

Potent germination capacity: 2-3 years