When to plant Rue in Custer County, MT
In Custer County, Rue is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 21–June 4 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the September 27 first frost.
When to Plant Rue in Custer County, MT
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.
Custer County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 5,983 feet, Custer County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rue Planting Timeline — Custer County, MT
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Custer County
Growing Tips for Custer 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 Custer County, MT?
Custer County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, MT?
Custer County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Rue in Custer County, MT?
In Custer County, MT, plant Rue after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Custer County, MT for Rue?
Custer County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Rue grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rue grow in Custer County's climate?
Yes — Rue grows well in Custer County's temperate climate. Custer County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 27.
Your Custer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Custer County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.