When to Plant Rue in Clinton County, IL
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.
Clinton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 1,142 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 — Clinton County, IL
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
192 days
Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, IL?
Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, IL?
Clinton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clinton County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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