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When to Plant Shiso in Dillingham Census Area, AK

Shiso (perilla) is a fragrant Japanese herb with large, ruffled leaves in green or purple varieties. It has a unique flavor combining mint, basil, and anise.

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.

At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.

Dillingham Census Area, AK (Zone 3a) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6

Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 26

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Shiso needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Dillingham Census Area, AK

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 29
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Sep 11

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 3a

Growing Season

128 days

Growing Tips for Dillingham Census Area

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors. Both green and red varieties are available. Pinch tips to encourage bushiness. Self-sows prolifically; deadhead to control.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dillingham Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.