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When to Plant Shiso in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.

At an elevation of 473 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Shiso will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.

Wayne County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
268 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
268 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 27 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (142 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 11 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 28

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Shiso needs ~1,050 GDD — county provides 4,690 GDD Excellent fit

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Wayne County, GA

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 11 Jan 11 โ€“ Jan 25
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 29
Harvest May 10 May 10 โ€“ Jul 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
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 8b

Growing Season

268 days

Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, GA?

Wayne County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, GA?

Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Wayne County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.