When to plant Rue in Boone County, IL
Boone County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Rue April 30–May 14 for the single annual harvest; the October 16 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Rue in Boone County, IL
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.
Boone County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 512 feet, Boone County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Boone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rue Planting Timeline — Boone County, IL
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Boone County
Growing Tips for Boone 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 Boone County, IL?
Boone County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boone County, IL?
Boone County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Rue in Boone County, IL?
In Boone County, IL, plant Rue after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Boone County, IL for Rue?
Boone County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rue grow in Boone County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Boone County's temperate climate. Boone County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 16.
Your Boone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Boone County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.