Rue Planting Guide
Rue is a bitter, aromatic perennial herb with bluish-green foliage used historically in medicine and as a pest deterrent. Handle with care as its sap can cause skin irritation.
Ruta graveolens · Herb · Rutaceae family · 70–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Rue?
Rue Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Rue planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Jul 11 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | May 13 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Jun 14 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 9b
Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Plant in well-drained soil. Wear gloves when handling as sap can cause phytophotodermatitis. Prune in early spring.
Saving Rue Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Rue by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Rue?
Rue (Ruta graveolens) takes 70 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Rue grow in?
Rue can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Rue need?
Growing Rue requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.