For a commercial planting the rows are spaced two to three feet apart. Valerian loves a rich loose garden soil and responds well to plenty of moisture. It prefers a soil ph between 6 and 7. Roots are harvested in early fall when the stolons are thick and the leaves die back. If harvested in early spring it is best to do it before there has been much leaf growth.
Harvest is usually after two seasons of growth.
Valerian can produce as much as a ton of material per acre. Valerian is well known for its sedative qualities and its ability to relax the central nervous system and the smooth muscle groups. It has been used as a sleeping aid for hundreds of years especially when there is excitation or difficulty in falling to sleep due to nervousness. The essential oils are not habit forming. Over 120 chemical components are found in valerian and although a very complex drug, it has not been found to have any negative side effects with moderate use.