How to Grow Rue

Last Updated: February 2, 2021

Rue is a shrubby perennial on a woody base. It has very aromatic leaves and is an attractive herb whose dried leaves can be strewn about your home to repel insects. The dried leaves are also effective when used in a sachet.

Steps

1
Purchase rue seeds or seedlings. If using seeds, plant them in small seed-raising trays or punnets using seed-raising mix. During germination, keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright but shady position. Increase the sun exposure gradually prior to planting in the garden.
- If you prefer to use cuttings, take these towards the end of summer. Avoid woody growth; look for mature green growth and take cuttings of about 10 centimeter (4 in) in length. Place in sandy soil to strike, keeping the soil moist. As with the seeds, bright shade is the best positioning while the roots develop.
- Rooted layers can be dug up and replanted. You'll see roots developing where stems touch the ground.
2
Select the growing space. Rue grows best in cool and warm climates, but it doesn't like humidity during summer. If you're in a cool climate, ensure that it has a position with full sun. In a warmer climate, a little shade is fine but not too much.

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3
Prepare the soil. Rue likes poor soil but it must be well drained and deep. Sandy or gravelled soils are the best choices.
- If the soil is too rich for the rue, its growth will be excessive.
4
Water deeply. A deep watering every two weeks is best from mid-autumn to mid-spring. During summer, water only if it gets very dry; let rain do most of the watering.
- Don't fertilise. Rue doesn't need it.
5
Prune. Prune if it looks untidy. Cut back to the main plant shape in early spring.

Community Q&A

Question

How deep do I plant the seeds?

Ninox

Top Answerer

You only have to drop the seeds on the soil and cover them by using a rake.
Question

What is rue used for?

Ninox

Top Answerer

Fresh rue leaves can be added in salads in small amounts. You can also gather some leaves before the autumn and dry them for usage during the winter.
Question

When and how do I prune rue?

Ninox

Top Answerer

You can cut some leaves for aesthetic reasons in the summer. If you want to reinvigorate the plant, you must cut it half of its height after blooming.

Warnings

Rue is considered by modern horticulturists to be mildly toxic if ingested.^{[2]
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Be careful when handling rue plants: Its sap sometimes causes photodermatitis. The sap can sometimes irritate skin or leave rashes or even burn it. It is best to wear gloves when handling rue and plan your harvest for a cloudy day or late evening.^{[3]
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