When to plant Rue in Compton, IL
Compton's 175-day season only supports one Rue planting per year. Sow between April 29 and May 13 for the best chance at full maturity before October 14.
When to Plant Rue in Compton, IL
July to-do list for Lee County, Illinois
Here's what deserves your attention in Lee County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Pick rue
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Compton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Lee County receives approximately 33.6 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.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.9
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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.9) is within Rue's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Rue.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Rue will thrive.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee 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 — Compton, 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Rue in Compton
Direct sow Rue outdoors after April 22 in Lee 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
When should I plant Rue in Compton, IL?
In Compton, IL, plant Rue after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, IL for Rue?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 5b. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rue grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.