Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Rue — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ruta graveolens |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Sow seed 1/8 in deep indoors in a warm spot; rue germinates best at around 68°F. Plant in poor, well-drained, alkaline soil and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues in the bluish-green foliage. Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling rue, as the sap can cause severe phototoxic skin burns when exposed to sunlight. Harvest small sprigs of foliage before flowering for traditional uses as a strewing herb or insect deterrent; internal use requires professional guidance due to toxicity at high doses.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0