When to Plant Rue in Mesa 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.
Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 6,091 feet, Mesa County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
Mesa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.1
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Rue Planting Timeline — Mesa County, CO
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
161 days
Growing Tips for Mesa 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 Mesa County, CO?
Mesa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mesa County, CO?
Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mesa County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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