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How to Grow Rue

Ruta graveolens

Your complete guide to growing Rue.

☀SunFull sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
💧WaterModerate initially; drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.
📅Harvest100-125 days
🗺Zones4–10
📏Height2-3 feet
Rue📷 Wikimedia Commons

When to Plant Rue

Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.

ZoneStart IndoorsDirect SowHarvest
Zone 3 April – May — July – October
Zone 4 March – April — July – October
Zone 5 March – April — June – October
Zone 6 March – April — June – November
Zone 7 February – March — June – November
Zone 8 February – March — May – December
Zone 9 January – February — April – December
Zone 10 January — April – December

Companion Plants for Rue

✓ Good companions

Broccoli

Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles that damage brassicas

Cabbage

Rue repels cabbage moths, flea beetles, and other brassica pests

Carrots

Rue helps deter carrot fly and other root vegetable pests

Fig Trees

Traditional pairing where rue deters ants and other insects from fig trees

Garlic

Creates a powerful aromatic barrier against various garden pests when planted together

Marigolds

Both plants repel nematodes and various insects, creating enhanced pest protection

Onions

Both plants have strong scents that complement each other in pest deterrence

Roses

Rue repels aphids, Japanese beetles, and other pests that commonly attack roses

✗ Keep away from

Basil

Rue's strong allelopathic compounds can inhibit basil's growth and affect its essential oil producti…

Mint

Rue can inhibit mint's vigorous growth and may affect the quality of mint's essential oils

Sage

Both plants compete for similar nutrients and rue may suppress sage's growth through chemical intera…

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)

23.0kcal
3.15gProtein
1.60gFiber
18.00mgVitamin C
3.17mgIron
Notes from the garden

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