When to plant Rue in Union County, FL
Plant Rue in Union County during the brief March 8–March 22 window. With 271 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 27.
When to Plant Rue in Union County, FL
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.
Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.
At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Rue may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Rue will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rue root diseases.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Planting Timeline — Union County, FL
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
271 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, FL?
Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, FL?
Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Rue in Union County, FL?
In Union County, FL, plant Rue after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, FL for Rue?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rue grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 271-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 27.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.