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When to Plant Rue in Sedgwick 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.

Sedgwick County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 7,669 feet, Sedgwick County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.

Sedgwick County, CO (Zone 5a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Sedgwick 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€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

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

Rue Planting Timeline โ€” Sedgwick County, CO

Rue Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 โ€“ Sep 21

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 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

157 days in Sedgwick County

Growing Tips for Sedgwick 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 Sedgwick County, CO?

Sedgwick County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sedgwick County, CO?

Sedgwick County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sedgwick County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Sedgwick County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.