When to plant Rue in Morgan County County,
Morgan County County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Rue April 21–May 5 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Rue in Morgan County, IL
What to do in June
Your Morgan County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Collect rue at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: rue
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.
Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 1,348 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Rue Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Morgan County
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.2) is within Rue's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Rue will thrive.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Rue Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Rue
Rue needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rue Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morgan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Rue Planting Timeline — Morgan 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Rue in Morgan County
Direct sow Rue outdoors after April 14 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Morgan County, IL?
Morgan 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 Morgan County, IL?
Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Rue in Morgan County, ?
In Morgan County, , plant Rue after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morgan County, for Rue?
Morgan 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 Morgan County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan 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.