Valeria is a pungent-smelling plant, known for its medicinal properties as well as its large flowers. Although difficult to germinate, valeria is considered a hardy plant that can re-grow year after year in zones four through nine. After a few years, consider harvesting valeria root to aid relaxation.
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Part 1 of 3: Start Planting Valeria
Step 1. Purchase young valeria plants or seedlings at a plant store
This plant is usually found in the herbal section. Valeria root is difficult to grow, so this is the best choice for growing young valeria in your garden.
Step 2. Try harvesting the "saplings" or parts that sprout at the roots of larger plants
If valeria grows naturally in your area, you can usually find a number of young plants that germinate in the spring. Dig up the roots and plant them in your garden after the last frost.
Step 3. Grow valeria sprouts at home
Buy fresh valeria seeds that are less than a year old. Unlike the seeds of other herbs, valeria seeds do not tolerate storage.
- Plant them in growing medium four to eight weeks before you plant them in the garden.
- Water the soil with warm water and place the plant in the sun. Fluorescent lamps and growth lamps can help with germination rates.
- If the temperature in your house is cold, you can try making a mini greenhouse on top of your seedling tray with plastic.
Step 4. Allow the young plant to grow indoors until it produces a second, larger leaf
Part 2 of 3: Planting Valeria
Step 1. Mix the soil with compost or animal manure before you plant valeria
Valeria generally does not need a lot of fertilizer, unless the soil is not fertile. Soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0.
Step 2. Find a part of the garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day
This plant will grow well in partial shade in the afternoon.
Step 3. Space about 90 cm on all sides of the plant
Valeria is a large plant, so it needs ample space to grow its roots. If your valeria plants don't grow to a height of 1.2 m, then you can plant them closer together.
Step 4. Plant the valeria seedlings in a place that will allow them to grow tall
This plant can grow very tall, so it is best planted away from vegetable or flower gardens. Harvesting the flowers can help control the growth of the valeria so that it is less invasive.
Valeria leaves and roots are known for their strong, pungent odor. The flowers can smell of vanilla, but are too strong for some people. Consider this before planting it near the porch of the house
Step 5. Place a wire guard over the valeria seedlings to prevent birds from eating them
Step 6. Flush with plenty of water
Valeria likes well-drained soil and plenty of water. Water the valeria every few days when it doesn't rain regularly.
Part 3 of 3: Harvesting Valeria
Step 1. Cut the flowers for decoration
This will prevent the plant from seeding and spreading too widely. This method can also make the roots stronger if you want to harvest them as sleeping pills.
- Use sharp scissors to cut near the base of the stem.
- Valeria begins to flower in early spring. You may get two or three flowers, depending on the placement and age of the plant.
Step 2. Wait a full year before starting to harvest the roots and leaves for medicine
Harvest the mature roots in the fall to dry. Leave the plant for several days without watering it before harvesting, so that the natural compounds in it are more potent.
Step 3. Separate the large valeria with a shovel
You can also dig up older plants for medicine, and let the young roots grow for use the following year.
Step 4. Dig deep into the soil so you can get all the roots
Rinse the roots with water from the hose before bringing them into the house.
Step 5. Cut the roots to a size of 1.6 to 2.5 cm with scissors
Wash thoroughly by soaking it in a bowl.
Step 6. Place it evenly on the drying rack
Allow the valeria root to dry in a cool, dry place for two or three months. This root smells very strong, so it should not be dried on the kitchen counter.
- Soak the roots as a sleeping pill.
- You can also give dried valeria root to cats who like it like catnip.
Step 7. Separate the leaves to use as tea
Use clean, fresh leaves as a soothing tea at night, or dry them to make a dry tea leaf mixture.
