When to plant Rue in Champaign County, IL
In Champaign County, Rue is a spring-only crop. Plant April 21–May 5 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Rue in Champaign 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.
Champaign County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 1,215 feet, Champaign County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
Champaign County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rue Planting Timeline — Champaign County, IL
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
188 days in Champaign County
Growing Tips for Champaign 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 Champaign County, IL?
Champaign County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Champaign County, IL?
Champaign County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Rue in Champaign County, IL?
In Champaign County, IL, plant Rue after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Champaign County, IL for Rue?
Champaign County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rue grow in Champaign County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Champaign County's temperate climate. Champaign County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 19.
Your Champaign County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Champaign County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.