Yes, I should be more clear. I was referring to the point where you are past the seedling stage but haven't flowered yet.

Yeah they were the narrow leaf variety. Only two out of many seedlings survived outdoors for about three years, and they were quite big and healthy by the end of last summer. Unfortunately, a prolonged wet spell this winter, followed by a week of arctic winds, finally killed them. Im hoping for a miraculous recovery this spring, but they look completely lifeless. Very sad. Dont think Ill bother trying outdoor rue now. Will try a brew of the dead acuminata leaves and stems though, just in case.

Yesterday I sowed another 24 seeds, using soil that was around maybe 80-90% sand, the rest being a mix of garden soil, coco coir and sand that was lying around unused, plus some chunks of charcoal. Considering its the beginning of autumn, I'm really pushing it, but I hope that there will be enough heat in the next 2 months that at least a few seedlings will reach maturity and hang on until next spring. Hopefully the increased drainage will let the future seedlings breathe a bit easier and stop them going the way of my first batch of rue during the winter