When to Plant Rue in Winnebago County, WI
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.
Winnebago County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 608 feet, Winnebago County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Winnebago County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
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 Winnebago County
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Rue's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Winnebago County is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Rue will thrive.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rue
Rue needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rue Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Winnebago County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Rue Planting Timeline — Winnebago County, WI
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 17 |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Winnebago County
Growing Tips for Rue in Winnebago County
Direct sow Rue outdoors after April 30 in Winnebago 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rue in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rue in Winnebago County, WI?
Winnebago County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Winnebago County, WI?
Winnebago County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Winnebago County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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