Valerian Lubelski

What Valerian Lubelski is

Valerian Lubelski (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb of the Valerianaceae family (Caprifoliaceae). The most popular commercial valerian variety grown in Poland.

It is high-yielding, with thick roots and a high essential oil content (0.7% or more).

Each plant yields about 1 kg of fresh root.

The plant reaches a height of 150 cm; the flowers are small, pale pink or whitish.

It has a calming effect and balances the action of the nervous system.

Valerian root is a classic calming herb, and the plant is also a fragrant ornamental.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Pack size: 0.2 g
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: May – September; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: June – October
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Valerian Lubelski

Valerian Lubelski seeds are sown in May – September. The plants flower from June to October. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Valerian Lubelski

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 30–40 cm
• Germination: 14–21 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

In Poland it is sown in seedbeds outdoors and the seedlings are then transplanted to the field in autumn. Studies show that when grown this way, yields and quality are highest. Ripe seeds germinate after 5-7 days, and the first seedlings appear on day 7-10 with summer sowing. The true leaves of the plant appear about a week after that, and their development continues right up to autumn. The following year growth begins in March with the formation and growth of the basal leaves, which form a rosette, and with the growth of the underground roots, which are ready for harvesting in autumn (September–October). The crop is grown for 2 to 4 years in the same place, after which it is recommended to move it. Valerian is grown for its root, which, dried and ground, is used in many pharmaceutical products. It is also known as cat's herb or all-heal.

The seeds quickly lose viability and germinate in light. Likes moist soil.

Harvest and use

The root is dug up in autumn of the second year.

Frequently asked questions

When should Valerian Lubelski be sown?

The recommended sowing months are May – September. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.