When to Plant Rue in Hood County, TX
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.
Hood County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,554 feet, Hood County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Rue, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rue root diseases.
Hood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.6
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hood County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Planting Timeline — Hood County, TX
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Hood County
Growing Tips for Hood 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 Hood County, TX?
Hood County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hood County, TX?
Hood County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Hood County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hood County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.