When to Plant Shiso in Barton County, KS
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.
Barton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 638 feet, Barton County receives approximately 25.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Barton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Barton County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.3) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Barton County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Shiso Planting Timeline — Barton County, KS
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Barton County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Barton County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after April 20 in Barton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Shiso in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Barton County, KS?
Barton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barton County, KS?
Barton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Barton County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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