Rue - Herb of Grace [Ruta graveolens]

Perennial rue is a tea, spice, and medicinal plant with an incomparably strong, sweet, aromatic aroma. In ancient traditional medicine, it was used as an abortifacient for women. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting of flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Rue is a perennial wild herb and tea, spice, and medicinal plant known since ancient times around 800 BC and originally from the Mediterranean region. A plant with an incomparably strong, sweet-aromatic aroma, this special spice is used in very small quantities. Rue was very popular in ancient Roman cuisine; today, the plant is a culinary rarity. In traditional medicine, this hardy plant is used as an abortifacient for women due to the thujone it contains. The scent of the woody perennial can have a deterrent effect on cats, and in times of plague, it helped keep rats away from the house. It is a bee pasture. If you are trying to conceive, taking it during pregnancy is not recommended.

 General information 
Plant family: Rutaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -23°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 10-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Raspberry
Unfavorable mixed culture: Basil, Tarragon, Chamomile, Chervil, Lettuce, Lavender, Sage, Lemon balm, Zucchini

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to September is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation in pots is also advisable.
Rue prefers a permeable, moderately nutrient-rich and dry, humus-rich loamy soil. Also thrives in sandy or stony loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
No care or fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Ruta graveolens
English names: Rue, Herb of Grace
German names: Raute, Weinraute, Edelraute, Gartenraute
Portuguese names: Arruda
Spanish names: Ruda
French names: Nerbe à la belle fille, Rue officinal

 Origin 
Country: Portugal