When to Plant Rue in Park 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.
Park County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,567 feet, Park County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Park County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 — Park County, CO
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Nov 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
80 days
Growing Tips for Park 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 Park County, CO?
Park County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Park County, CO?
Park County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Park County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.