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When to Plant Rue in Emery County, UT

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.

Emery County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 7,259 feet, Emery County receives approximately 15.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Rue successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Emery County, UT (Zone 6a) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Emery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Emery County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Rue Planting Timeline — Emery County, UT

Rue Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 – Jun 1
Harvest July 27 Jul 27 – Sep 28

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

146 days in Emery County

Growing Tips for Emery 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

  • Basil
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rue in Emery County, UT?

Emery County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Emery County, UT?

Emery County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 4.

🌱

Your Emery County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Emery County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Emery County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.