When to Plant Shiso in Sullivan 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.
Sullivan County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 325 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 42.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sullivan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, NY
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Sullivan 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shiso in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Sullivan County, NY?
Sullivan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, NY?
Sullivan County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sullivan County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.