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When to plant Shiso in Nome Census Area, AK

Plant Shiso in Nome Census Area, between June 10 and July 1 — the only viable window. Zone 3b's short season (91 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Shiso in Nome Census Area, AK

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.

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.

Nome Census Area, AK (Zone 3b) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
91 growing days
First Fall Frost September 2

Nome Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.7

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 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Nome Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Shiso Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 8
Direct Sow June 10 Jun 10 – Jul 1
Harvest August 19 Aug 19 – Oct 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 3b

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Nome Census Area

Growing Tips for Nome Census Area

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.

When should I plant Shiso in Nome Census Area, AK?

In Nome Census Area, AK, plant Shiso after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nome Census Area, AK for Shiso?

Nome Census Area sits in USDA Zone 3b. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shiso grow in Nome Census Area's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in Nome Census Area's temperate climate. Nome Census Area averages a 91-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 2.

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Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nome Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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