When to Plant Rue in King William 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.
King William County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 110 feet, King William County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
King William County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Rue
Rue needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rue Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in King William County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Planting Timeline — King William County, VA
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
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
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
210 days in King William County
Growing Tips for King William 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rue in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rue in King William County, VA?
King William County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is King William County, VA?
King William County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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