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When to Plant Rue in Florida

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.

Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Rue planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Rue Planting Calendar for Florida

Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Harvest May 13 May 13 – Jul 15
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 – Jun 30
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Harvest April 12 Apr 12 – Jun 14

Growing Tips for Florida

Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Plant in well-drained soil. Wear gloves when handling as sap can cause phytophotodermatitis. Prune in early spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rue in Florida?

Planting dates for Rue in Florida depend on your USDA zone. Florida spans zones 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Florida for planting?

Florida contains USDA hardiness zones 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.