Rue Herb Seeds

Rue is valued primarily for its finely cut, blue-green foliage and upright, bushy habit. Growing 24–36 inches tall, plants form attractive mounds that work well as short hedges, borders, or structural accents in herb gardens.

The foliage carries a pungent aroma and provides long-lasting filler for fresh arrangements, often holding up to three weeks in a vase. Yellow flowers appear in season, though foliage is typically harvested before flowering for best quality.

Rue is perennial in Zones 4–9 and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It self-sows readily and benefits from light pruning each spring to maintain shape and vigor.

Limited culinary use due to its strong, bitter flavor.

Caution: Rue can be toxic if taken internally. Not recommended for pregnant women. Contact with foliage may cause skin irritation or rash, especially in hot, sunny conditions. Wear protective clothing when handling and wash exposed skin after contact.

How to Sow

1. Start seeds indoors about 7 weeks before the last frost.
   

2. Sow seeds 1/4–3/8 inch deep and keep soil warm (60–70°F) and moist.
   

3. When large enough to handle, transplant to larger cells and grow until several inches tall.
   

4. Transplant outdoors in full sun, spacing plants 12–24 inches apart.
   

5. Harvest foliage before plants come into flower.
   
   

Growing Details

Sun: Full sun
Plant Type: Perennial (Zones 4–9)
Height: 24–36 inches
Spacing: 12–24 inches
Germination: 10–14 days

What You’ll Receive

Packet containing 200 seeds.