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Rue — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Rue
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

100-125days to harvest

14–21 daysdays to germinate

Z4–10USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, pressing seeds into surface (need light to germinate). Transplant after last frost. Can direct sow in warm climates.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: Moderate initially; drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.
Soil: Well-drained, average to poor soil; tolerates sandy, gravelly, or loamy conditions. Dislikes heavy clay and wet soils.
Spacing: 18–24 inches
Height: 2-3 feet
Season: Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Blue-green
Shape: Finely divided, feathery foliage; dense, bushy plant form
Flavour: Intensely bitter, acrid, pungent, and musty—rarely used culinarily due to overpowering bitterness.

In the kitchen

Minimal culinary use; occasionally appears in traditional European liqueurs and medicinal infusions in very small amounts.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids (spring infestations), spider mites in hot, dry conditions
Diseases: Root rot in poorly drained or overwatered soil; rarely affected by foliar diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
10	January	February – April	—	April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

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

Fig TreesTraditional pairing where rue deters ants and other insects from fig trees

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

CarrotsRue helps deter carrot fly and other root vegetable pests

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

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

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

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

Avoid

BasilRue's strong allelopathic compounds can inhibit basil's growth and affect its essential oil production

SageBoth plants compete for similar nutrients and rue may suppress sage's growth through chemical interactions

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

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbohydrate (g): 2.65
Fibre (g): 1.6
Sugars (g): 0.3
Vitamin A (µg): 264
Vitamin C (mg): 18
Vitamin E (mg): 0.8
Vitamin K (µg): 415
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.155
Folate (µg): 68
Calcium (mg): 177
Iron (mg): 3.17
Magnesium (mg): 64
Phosphorus (mg): 56
Potassium (mg): 295
Zinc (mg): 0.81
Selenium (µg): 0.3

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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Rue

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Rue?

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