growing valerian in Texas

[rain4me]

Anyone here in central Texas?

I've been trying to grow valerian for a couple of years witout a great deal of success. Right about when the temps hit 100, she starts withering on me.

This year, I've kept the plant potted so I can move her around, try out different locations. Right now, she's in the shade/dappled light...moved her there from light morning sun cuz even that was too much.

Anyone had luck with this lovely plant in a hot, humid area? She was gorgeous this spring!

[Kathy]

Hi Rain, I'm still in Memphis but I just bought 10 acres in Western TX-scrub desert. Pecos County, between Pecos & Ft. Stockton off I 20.

So I may not be able to answer your TX questions but I'm going to be watching your questions so I can start learning how to deal with the heat and conditions that are unique to TX. ;D

[Deleted]

I have mine planted under some trees. We frequently have 100+ temps here in the summer. Might not be as humid as Texas, but it's more than I can stand, for sure! Anyway, mine do just fine all summer being in the shade during the hot part of the day. Plus they're along the edge of the veggie garden, so I can give them water if it's too dry for too long.

Maybe you could try moving your pots to a shady spot for a while and see how that works?

~Lannie

[rain4me]

I think the valerian would be able to handle the 100+ daytime temps if it would just cool off at night. Not dropping off below mid-upper 70's, though. That plus the humidity...I don't know. I'll move the pot to deeper shade. It's under the oak trees now.

We'll see. Sometimes, no matter how determined we are to make something work, it just won't. The old 'fish outta water' story. I'm trying, though!

Kathy, I won't be able to give you much help with growing conditions in Pecos county. We live about 50 miles NE of Austin. We're not in the high desert here. Of course, if it doesn't start raining again, we might as well be in Pecos (or Arizona!)

From Tennessee to West Texas, huh? Now that's a change of scenery....wow!

One thing I know you can grow in Pecos county is canteloupe. Best there is comes from there!

[Kathy]

Actually my journey is a long and weird one- from Wisconsin to Kentucky to Tennessee to Texas-a lot of changes in climate & topography! ;D Each place seems to be getting drier and drier though.

[Deleted]

admin said:

Hi Rain, I'm still in Memphis but I just bought 10 acres in Western TX-scrub desert. Pecos County, between Pecos & Ft. Stockton off I 20.

So I may not be able to answer your TX questions but I'm going to be watching your questions so I can start learning how to deal with the heat and conditions that are unique to TX. ;D

Kathy, I hate to tell ya this, but central TX and west TX are about as much alike as black and white. And humidity in central TX is nothing like it is on the TX coast. . . . I'm no expert, but was born in Galveston and grew up on Galveston bay, and have lived in central TX and now east (sort of) TX. Have travelled all over the state . . . and each time I've moved I have, like you, had to learn from scratch about how to grow any and everything I've been used to growing before. Due to soil and climate differences, even the native TX plants are different.

The best garden I ever had was in Portland OR, due, I think, to the volcanic material in the (wonderful) soil. Good luck with your move.

[Deleted]

That was good ol' riverbottom silt, memaw. ;D Or depending on your exact location, pure clay!

I grew up in Portland, then moved to Redmond (in the central part of Oregon), which is mostly volcanic soil, for about 10 years before coming here. Let me tell you, NOTHING grows in volcanic soil except juniper and sagebrush. I actually thought my herbs were doing well there, until I got here (inland ocean-bottom silt) and realized just how sad they had been in Redmond. My herbs are trying to take over our property here, whereas back in Redmond, I had neat little plants of each one. Granted, they were a lot easier to take care of there, but they really were unhappy. I have more catnip, mugwort, motherwort, and coltsfoot seedlings than I do weeds here at the moment!

I hadn't gotten into herbs or gardening when I left Portland, but I know the soil and climate conditions are perfect for just about everything there. Especially blackberries! I really miss my wild blackberries.

~Lannie