Family: Valerian (Valerianaceae)
Hardy to Zones 4 to 8.
Homestash is our original valerian cultivar that we have been growing for 30 years on our farm. The seed is from our own production. Homestash is highly root productive in season, and the activity is very dependable. The original stock came from: England. Herbaceous perennial native to Europe and temperate Asia. Traditional usage (TWM): sedative. Valerian prefers full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained soils. I have seen excellent clumps form, during a wet spring, on the peak of a pile of ground pumice. However, regular garden soil amended with organic compost will do nicely. The plant adapts rather well to a wide range of conditions. Seed is short-lived and should be sown within a year of receipt. Light dependent germinator. Sow in spring, tamped securely into surface, and keep evenly moist until germination, which occurs in 10 to 16 days. Seedling leaves look very un-valerian at first and some folks are confused. But have faith, in time the leaves will become divided and much more closely resemble the standard form of the plant. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart. Flowers white in the second year to a height of 5 feet or more.