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When to Plant Shiso in Campbell County, VA

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.

Campbell County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 975 feet, Campbell County receives approximately 54.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.

Campbell County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Campbell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (69 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Aug 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Shiso needs ~960 GDD — county provides 3,120 GDD Excellent fit

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Campbell County, VA

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 12
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 7a

Growing Season

195 days

Growing Tips for Campbell 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 Campbell County, VA?

Campbell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Campbell County, VA?

Campbell County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Campbell County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Campbell County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.