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.
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.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.
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
These estimates for how long Common rue takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 14 days | Min 10 days | Max 42 days (6)
Average 52 days | Min 52 days | Max 52 days (3)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
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
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.
Herbygrass, Hreow, Mother of the Herbs, Bashoush,
Misspellings: Rude, Rewe