Rue Seeds - Garden Rue Herb Seeds

Rue Seeds

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Herb Specifications

Season: Perennial

USDA Zones: 5 - 11

Height: 18 - 24 inches

Bloom Season: Mid summer

Bloom Color: Yellow

Environment: Full sun

Soil Type: Poor, dry, well-drained, sandy soils

Planting Directions

Temperature: 68F

Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days

Light Required: Yes

Depth: Surface sow seed, do not bury

Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

Plant Spacing: 15 - 18 inches

Rue (Ruta Graveolens) - Grown from Rue seeds, this perennial ornamental herb is as versatile as it is lovely. Known as Herb of Grace, Garden Rue and Common Rue, it is a wonderful addition to the herb garden because it is evergreen and can be pruned and shaped into a hedge. It is often used in knot gardens. The base becomes woody but the tips remain herbaceous. By mid-summer, the Rue herb plant has yellow flower clusters covering most of the plant.

As a medicinal herb, Garden Rue herb has been used to rid the body of worms. It is antispasmodic and used to treat intestinal cramps. As a culinary herb, fresh leaves are used to flavor meats, cheese, and eggs. It has a rather bitter taste that goes well with acidic flavors and is used in pickling.

How To Grow Rue From Herb Seeds: Sow Rue seeds directly outdoors when the soil temperature is at least 65 degrees. The herb seeds can have an erratic germination, so be patient and keep the seeds moist. Rue needs a location in full sun, and it thrives in poor sandy soils. Water the Common Rue plant regularly until it is well-established and during prolonged drought conditions. Under normal conditions, Herb Of Grace plants do not need to be watered. Mulch the base of the plant to protect it from frost damage in winter. Garden Rue herb plants do nicely in containers. It readily self-seeds, so deadhead the spent flowers if this is not desired. Wear gloves when pruning as the plant oil can irritate sensitive skins.

Ornamental Herb

Rue not only has a variety of herbal functions, but it also simply looks nice in the garden! The plant features fresh green foliage and airy yellow flower clusters.

Ornamental Herb

Useful Garden Herb

How To Grow

Rue seeds can be sown directly outdoors when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 65F degrees. These seeds have an erratic germination, so keep the soil moist and be patient. Rue needs a location of full sun, and it thrives in poor sandy soils. Water this plant regularly until it is well-established and during prolonged drought conditions. Mulch the base of the plant to protect it from frost damage in the winter. These plants do nicely in containers. Rue readily self-seeds, so deadhead spent blooms if this is not desired.

  • Environment: full sun
  • Average germ time: 7-14 days
  • Soil: poor and well-drained
Useful Garden Herb

Plant Information

Rue is an annual herb that grows in USDA zones 5 through 11. It is an especially useful plant for inviting pollinators to the garden, with bees and butterflies being particularly fond of this plant. It also has a strong scent that repels unwanted critters such as animal and Japanese beetles.

  • Bloom color: yellow
  • Bloom season: mid summer
  • Height: 18-24 inches