When to Plant Shiso in Delaware County, NY
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.
Delaware County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.5
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 Delaware County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.5) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Delaware County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shiso.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Shiso
Shiso needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shiso Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Delaware County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Delaware County, NY
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Delaware County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Delaware County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after May 11 in Delaware 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shiso in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Delaware County, NY?
Delaware County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, NY?
Delaware County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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