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When to Plant Shiso in Uintah 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.

Uintah County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 6,372 feet, Uintah County receives approximately 12.7 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.

Uintah County, UT (Zone 5a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Uintah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: Jun 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Oct 6

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,471 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 2,021 GDD Excellent fit

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Uintah County, UT

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 โ€“ Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jun 7
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 13

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 5a

Growing Season

147 days

Growing Tips for Uintah 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 Uintah County, UT?

Uintah County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Uintah County, UT?

Uintah County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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