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When to Plant Rue in Arizona

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.

Arizona spans USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Rue planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Rue Planting Calendar for Arizona

Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 5
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 28
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 12
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Aug 5
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Jul 26
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Harvest May 13 May 13 – Jul 15
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 – Jun 30
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Harvest April 12 Apr 12 – Jun 14

Growing Tips for Arizona

Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Plant in well-drained soil. Wear gloves when handling as sap can cause phytophotodermatitis. Prune in early spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rue in Arizona?

Planting dates for Rue in Arizona depend on your USDA zone. Arizona spans zones 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Arizona for planting?

Arizona contains USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.