When to Plant Rue in Jasper County, IA
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.
Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
Jasper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Jasper County
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Rue's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jasper County is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Rue will thrive.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Rue Planting Timeline — Jasper County, IA
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Jasper County
Growing Tips for Rue in Jasper County
Direct sow Rue outdoors after May 02 in Jasper County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Jasper County, IA?
Jasper County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jasper County, IA?
Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jasper County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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