When to Plant Rue in Stanton County, NE
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.
Stanton County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 511 feet, Stanton County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rue to ensure they mature before fall.
Stanton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stanton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Planting Timeline — Stanton County, NE
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Stanton County
Growing Tips for Stanton 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 Stanton County, NE?
Stanton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stanton County, NE?
Stanton County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Stanton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stanton 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.