How to harvest valerian root: timing and techniques

Valeriana officinalis is a high-value crop for the herbal and pharmaceutical industries, thanks to the concentration of active compounds found mainly in its roots, such as valepotriates and essential oils.

For agricultural companies growing valerian on a professional scale, understanding how to harvest valerian root means optimizing yield, preserving phytotherapeutic properties, and ensuring production continuity through efficient, standardized processes.

This article explores the growth cycle, the ideal harvest time, the necessary equipment, and the best extraction and post-harvest techniques. Let’s begin.

The valerian growth cycle

Valerian is a perennial plant that develops a complex root system rich in secondary metabolites. Understanding its vegetative cycle is essential for planning an effective harvest.

The main cultivation stages are:

• Germination: 15-25 days, with optimal temperatures between 15 and 20 °C.
• Vegetative growth: during the first 2-3 months, the plant develops a vigorous leaf rosette.
• Reproductive phase: from late spring to summer, with the formation of flowering stems.
• Root development: in the second half of summer, the plant concentrates energy in the root system, increasing the concentration of active compounds.

For professional use, valerian is often grown in annual cycles, even though it is botanically perennial, in order to maximize the quality of the harvested root.

When to harvest valerian root

Harvest timing directly affects the concentration of active ingredients.

The optimal period is:

• late autumn, after completion of the vegetative phase;

• early winter, when the plant is dormant and metabolites are concentrated in the roots.

Signs indicating the correct harvest time include:

• drying or significant reduction of the aerial part;

• firm, compact root consistency;

• dry or moderately moist soil, to facilitate mechanical extraction.

Harvesting too early reduces valepotriate content; harvesting too late can increase product losses due to degradation or rot.

Equipment needed for harvesting valerian root

Professional harvesting requires equipment capable of extracting the root system without damage, while ensuring fast and uniform field operations.

Key equipment includes:

• Professional diggers or root lifters, ideal for lifting roots with controlled vibration, minimizing material loss and breakage of lateral roots.

• Sorting and pre-cleaning conveyors, which help separate soil, stones, and plant residues.

• Ventilated pallet bins, essential to prevent fermentation and overheating after harvest.

• Ortomec Solutions for harvesting specialty crops and medicinal plants. Although valerian requires an extraction process different from typical leafy crops, many agricultural companies integrate Ortomec machinery into their workflow to optimize subsequent stages:

• Ortomec conveyors and sorting tables, designed for the gentle handling of sensitive products;

• modular systems that enable fast flow management, reduced handling times, and batch standardization;

• ergonomic solutions that improve productivity and reduce operator strain.

Farms working on medium-to-large areas choose mechanical equipment to reduce labor, improve product quality, and ensure consistent batches.

How to harvest valerian root

The operational procedure includes several phases:

1. Field Preparation

• stop irrigation 5-7 days before harvest;
• check soil moisture: the soil must be workable but not muddy;
• remove weeds that could hinder machine movement.

2. Uprooting

Root lifters extract the roots using a vibrating blade that penetrates the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm, depending on root development.

Objectives:

• lift the entire plant;

• minimize mechanical breakage;

• preserve root integrity and structure.

3. Collection and sorting

The product must be:

• shaken free of excess soil;

• sorted manually or via vibrating tables to remove residues;

• loaded into ventilated bins.

How to dry valerian root

Drying is a critical phase, as it determines product stability and preservation of active compounds. Optimal conditions include:

• temperature: 35-45 °C, avoiding higher values that degrade essential oils;

• constant ventilation: to quickly remove residual moisture;

• duration: 24-48 hours, depending on root thickness;

• final moisture content: 10-12%, ideal for maintaining efficacy and aroma.

Sustainability and valerian replanting

Sustainable crop cycle management helps to:

• improve soil fertility;

• reduce operating costs in the medium to long term;

• increase yields of subsequent crops.

Recommended practices include:

• multi-year crop rotations to limit soil-borne pathogens;

• use of organic fertilizers to support root development;

• preservation of biodiversity strips to encourage beneficial insects;

• low-impact soil tillage to reduce compaction.

Replanting can be scheduled every 2-3 years, selecting varieties chosen for aromatic content and production uniformity.

Conclusion

Harvesting valerian root is a technically complex phase that requires precise timing, agronomic expertise, and professional equipment. For agricultural companies targeting the herbal and pharmaceutical markets, investing in standardized processes and advanced technologies means:

• improving root quality;

• increasing profitability per hectare;

• ensuring continuity of supply to industrial clients;

• meeting increasingly strict regulatory requirements.

From this perspective, Ortomec solutions – from selection systems to handling conveyors designed for delicate products – become essential tools for building an efficient, safe, and repeatable supply chain.

Integrating reliable technologies into post-harvest operations allows agricultural companies to fully enhance the potential of valerian, while ensuring high standards and consistent supply to industrial customers. Contact us to receive more information.