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When to plant Rue in Sangamon County County,

In Sangamon County County, Rue is a spring-only crop. Plant April 22–May 6 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Rue in Sangamon 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.

Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.

Sangamon County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17
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Sangamon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Rue

Rue needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Rue Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sangamon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Rue Planting Timeline — Sangamon County, IL

Rue Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Sep 2

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
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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

185 days in Sangamon County

Growing Tips for Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL?

Sangamon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sangamon County, IL?

Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Rue in Sangamon County County, ?

In Sangamon County County, , plant Rue after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sangamon County County, for Rue?

Sangamon County 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 Sangamon County County's climate?

Yes — Rue grows well in Sangamon County County's temperate climate. Sangamon County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Sangamon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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