Blog

When to Plant Rue in Prowers 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.

Prowers County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 6,074 feet, Prowers County receives approximately 24.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.

Prowers County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Prowers County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Rue

Rue needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Rue Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Prowers County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Rue Planting Timeline โ€” Prowers County, CO

Rue Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Sep 17

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

163 days in Prowers County

Growing Tips for Prowers 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

  • Basil
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rue in Prowers County, CO?

Prowers County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Prowers County, CO?

Prowers County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Prowers County gardeners in Zone 6a 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Prowers County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.