Valériane officinale NT - Ferme de Sainte Marthe

The Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant with medicinal and ornamental qualities, capable of reaching up to one metre in height. It has soothing properties, promotes sleep, and alleviates anxiety. It is sown in April-May.

The Common Valerian is found in the wild throughout Europe and as far as Asia Minor. It belongs to the Valerianaceae family and is sometimes referred to as Garden Valerian, Cat's Herb, or St. George's Herb. This is a vigorous perennial plant that grows in an upright clump, reaching up to one metre in height and 80 centimetres in width. It is fully hardy, at least down to –15°C.

Its foliage is silvery-green, deciduous, and compound, with lance-shaped, slightly dentate leaves. The Garden Valerian displays delicate white flowers in umbels from June to July.

Common Valerian is renowned for its medicinal properties. It is listed in the European Pharmacopoeia, and its root is used for its calming effects: it aids sleep and soothes anxiety.

In the garden, Garden Valerian thrives in sun or partial shade, in heavy and moist soil. Its cultivation presents no difficulty. It can be placed in a dedicated herb and medicinal plant area or at the back of a perennial bed, as it is also ornamental.

Harvest: The first harvest of roots is carried out on young plants at least three years old.

Storage: Storage is done in bags once the root has been washed and dried.

Gardener's Tip: Garden Valerian should not be confused with Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), which requires drier soil and a sunny position.

Untreated or "NT" seeds come from conventionally grown plants (often using plant protection products), but they undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are permitted in organic market gardening when organic seeds are out of stock.