When to plant Rue in McDonough County, IL
Plant Rue in McDonough County, between April 24 and May 8 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (183 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Rue in McDonough 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.
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, McDonough County receives approximately 37.3 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.
McDonough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rue Planting Timeline — McDonough County, IL
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in McDonough County
Growing Tips for McDonough 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 McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Rue in McDonough County, IL?
In McDonough County, IL, plant Rue after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McDonough County, IL for Rue?
McDonough 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 McDonough County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in McDonough County's temperate climate. McDonough County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your McDonough County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McDonough 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.