How to grow Common Rue

Ruta graveolens

Partial Sun
OR
Full Sun
Medium

Surface sow seed (needs light to germinate) in peaty soil at 68°F (20°C) to germinate in 7-28 days. Transplant to full sun and fertile soil that is not too wet (keep well watered until it is established). This plant enjoys rocky soil.

Growing Common rue from seed

The seeds need light to germinate, therefore, do not cover them completely with soil and keep the soil moist. New plants can also be started with cuttings.

Ensure a seed sowing distance of 1.49 feet (45.72 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 20°C / 68°F to ensure good germination.

Harvesting Common rue

Rue was thought to protect against plague, and since people also rubbed their floors with fresh rue to repel fleas, it probably actually did protect them. Like other bitters (wormwood, for instance), rue has been used to get rid of worms. The rutin in rue is antispasmodic and thus good for intestinal cramps and coughs. However, an excess of rue causes vomiting, can interefere with the liver, and can even be fatal; don’t use during pregnancy. Fresh leaves can cause dermatitis in senstive people, especially on hot sunny days when the essential oil is strongest. It can also interact negatively with blood thinning agents.

Seed Saving Common rue

Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds. Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored

How long does Common rue take to grow?

These estimates for how long Common rue takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Common rue to germinate?: 14 days
Average 14 days | Min 10 days | Max 42 days (6)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Common rue?: + 52 days
Average 52 days | Min 52 days | Max 52 days (3)
Days to Maturity How long until Common rue is ready for harvest / bloom?: + days
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Common rue?: = days

Common rue Etymology

OFr rue < L ruta, probably from Gr rhyte, of uncertain origin. Not etymologically related to the English verb rue “to feel regret,” < O.E. hreowan “make sorry, grieve.” Similarly the English noun rue, meaning “sorrow, repentance”, is from O.E. hreow, from the verb.¹

Common rue Folklore & Trivia

Rue was sometimes called witchbane because people carried bunches to keep off pesky witches (you know who you are), and the expression “rue the day” is said to come from the practice of throwing rue at an enemy while cursing him.

Other names for Common rue

Herbygrass, Hreow, Mother of the Herbs, Bashoush,

Misspellings: Rude, Rewe

Footnotes

¹ Online Etymology Dictionary entries on Rue

² Gardening Know How