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When to Plant Shiso in Henry County, GA

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.

Henry County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 379 feet, Henry County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Shiso, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.

Henry County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 25 Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 21

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 67 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Shiso needs ~1,185 GDD — county provides 4,503 GDD Excellent fit

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Henry County, GA

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 โ€“ Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 22
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jul 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

228 days

Growing Tips for Henry County

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 Henry County, GA?

Henry County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henry County, GA?

Henry County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Henry County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.