When to plant Rue in Carroll County, IL
In Carroll County, Rue is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 29–May 13 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 13 first frost.
When to Plant Rue in Carroll 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.
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rue Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 |
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 5a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Rue in Carroll County, IL?
In Carroll County, IL, plant Rue after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carroll County, IL for Rue?
Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rue grow in Carroll County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.
Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.