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When to Plant Shiso in Piute County, UT

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.

Piute County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 7,866 feet, Piute County receives approximately 13.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Shiso successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Piute County, UT (Zone 5b) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
140 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Piute County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 23 Transplant: Jun 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 20 – Oct 15

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
0.4″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 890 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Shiso needs ~825 GDD — county provides 1,925 GDD Excellent fit

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Piute County, UT

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 11
Direct Sow May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 11
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Sep 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

140 days

Growing Tips for Piute 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 Piute County, UT?

Piute County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Piute County, UT?

Piute County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 1.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Piute County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Piute County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.