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When to plant Rue in Independence County, AR

Independence County's 222-day season only supports one Rue planting per year. Sow between April 2 and April 16 for the best chance at full maturity before November 3.

When to Plant Rue in Independence County, AR

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.

Independence County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 1,405 feet, Independence County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.

Independence County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Independence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.5

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 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Independence County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Rue Planting Timeline — Independence County, AR

Rue Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Aug 13

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

222 days in Independence County

Growing Tips for Independence 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

  • Basil
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rue in Independence County, AR?

Independence County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Independence County, AR?

Independence County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Rue in Independence County, AR?

In Independence County, AR, plant Rue after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Independence County, AR for Rue?

Independence County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Rue grow in Independence County's climate?

Yes — Rue grows well in Independence County's temperate climate. Independence County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Independence County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Independence County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Independence County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.