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When to plant Rue in Edgar County, IL

Edgar County's 182-day season only supports one Rue planting per year. Sow between April 25 and May 9 for the best chance at full maturity before October 17.

When to Plant Rue in Edgar 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.

Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,272 feet, Edgar County receives approximately 41.4 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.

Edgar County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Edgar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Rue Planting Timeline — Edgar County, IL

Rue Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Edgar County

Growing Tips for Edgar 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 Edgar County, IL?

Edgar County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edgar County, IL?

Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Rue in Edgar County, IL?

In Edgar County, IL, plant Rue after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Edgar County, IL for Rue?

Edgar 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 Edgar County's climate?

Yes — Rue grows well in Edgar County's temperate climate. Edgar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Edgar County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Edgar 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.

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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 Edgar County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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