When to Plant Rue in Juneau City and Borough, AK
What to do in May
Your Juneau City and Borough, Alaska garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Move rue from tray to bed
Your last frost (May 3) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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.
Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 930 feet, Juneau City and Borough receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 57°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Juneau City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Juneau City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Rue prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Juneau City and Borough is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.7%) — Rue will thrive.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 04 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Juneau City and Borough). 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 — Juneau City and Borough, AK
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Juneau City and Borough
Growing Tips for Rue in Juneau City and Borough
Direct sow Rue outdoors after May 03 in Juneau City and Borough 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 Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Juneau City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Juneau City and Borough (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.