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Rue

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An old fashion perennial herb that used to be grown for its medicinal purpose, but was then proved to be slightly poisonous if consumed in large quantities. However, the strong smell of Rue makes it a great companion plant for an insect-repelling purpose. The plant will grow up to 1 m tall and the fernlike leaves make it an attractive low contact ornamental plant.

How to grow rue in a garden

  1. Choose a sunny or part shade spot in your garden with well drained soil. Enrich with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. 
  2. Sow seed direct, planting them in clumps of 2-3 seeds in 45 cm intervals. Cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well. 
  3. Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food. 
  4. Harvest by snipping or cut leaves back to the main stem – this will also help encourage more leafy growth.

 

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How to grow rue in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 400 mm wide and deep and position in a sunny or part shade. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. 
  2. Sow seed direct, planting them in clumps of 2-3 seeds. Cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well. 
  3.  Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food. 
  4. Harvest by snipping or cut leaves back to the main stem – this will also help encourage more leafy growth.

Growing tips

  • Care should be taken when gardening with Rue, as the sap can be irritating. 
  • Dried foliage can be used to repel insects indoors.

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