When to Plant Rue in Goliad County, TX
Top priorities for Goliad County, Texas gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Bring in the rue
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Goliad County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 283 days.
At an elevation of 3,928 feet, Goliad County receives approximately 62.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Rue may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rue root diseases.
Goliad County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Goliad County
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.3) is within Rue's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goliad County is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Rue.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Goliad 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 — Goliad County, TX
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
283 days in Goliad County
Growing Tips for Rue in Goliad County
Direct sow Rue outdoors after February 24 in Goliad 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 Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is December 4.
Your Goliad County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Goliad County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.