Rue

Sow indoors in mid spring or outdoors after the last frost. Scatter the seeds on the surface and gently press into the soil; do not cover as the seeds require light to germinate. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks to germinate so make sure you keep the surface of your trays or pots moist while you wait. Thin or transplant with a spacing of 30-50cm.

Native to the Mediterranean, rue thrives in dry, rocky environments and is well adapted to withstand the hottest of UK summers. It prefers a sunny location and if possible a well-draining sandy soil to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged.

You wouldn’t know it from looking at it or from smelling its intensely aromatic leaves, but rue belongs to the citrus family (Rutaceae) and is a close relative of lemon, orange and grapefruit. Like rue, lemon juice also contains furanocoumarins and can cause a skin reaction (known as phytophotodermatitis) when in contact with the skin followed by exposure to the sun. But the levels of furanocoumarins and risks are much higher in rue than in lemon and other common citrus fruits.

Do not use rue without the guidance of a qualified herbalist.

Although we advise against internal use of rue unless under the supervision of a qualified herbalist, we do recommend growing rue for its benefits in the garden; its long-lasting yellow flowers are a beautiful addition to any herb garden as well as a valuable source of pollen for beneficial insects. The silver-lining of its intense aroma and toxicity is that it reportedly helps to repel a number of common garden pests, including aphids and Japanese beetles. It is also said to help deter deer and rabbits, and even cats and dogs.

If you have experience of using rue as a companion plant do let us know as we are still learning about it and would love to hear how it has helped you.