When to Plant Rue in Sumner County, TN
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.
Sumner County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,917 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rue root diseases.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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
Rue Planting Timeline — Sumner County, TN
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
202 days
Growing Tips for Sumner 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 Sumner County, TN?
Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, TN?
Sumner County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sumner County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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