When to Plant Rue in Bedford County, VA
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.
Bedford County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 414 feet, Bedford County receives approximately 53.9 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.
Bedford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 — Bedford County, VA
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 |
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 | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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
182 days
Growing Tips for Bedford 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 Bedford County, VA?
Bedford County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bedford County, VA?
Bedford County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bedford County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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