When to Plant Rue in Custer County, CO
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.
Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 8,115 feet, Custer County receives approximately 18.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Rue successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Rue Planting Timeline — Custer County, CO
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Oct 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
125 days
Growing Tips for Custer County
Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Plant in well-drained soil. Wear gloves when handling as sap can cause phytophotodermatitis. Prune in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Rue in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rue in Custer County, CO?
Custer County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, CO?
Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Custer County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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