When to Plant Rue in Travis 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.
Travis County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 3,682 feet, Travis County receives approximately 66.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Travis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Travis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rue Planting Timeline — Travis County, TX
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 24 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
262 days in Travis County
Growing Tips for Travis 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 Travis County, TX?
Travis County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Travis County, TX?
Travis County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Travis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Travis County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.