When to plant Shiso in Faulkner County, AR
Spring Shiso in Faulkner County goes in April 2–April 23, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Shiso in Faulkner County, AR
What to do in July
July is a pivotal month for Faulkner County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting shiso
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Faulkner County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 211 feet, Faulkner County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.
Faulkner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Faulkner County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) is within Shiso's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Faulkner County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Shiso Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Faulkner County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Faulkner County, AR
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
222 days in Faulkner County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Faulkner County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after March 26 in Faulkner County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Faulkner County, AR?
Faulkner County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Faulkner County, AR?
Faulkner County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Shiso in Faulkner County, AR?
In Faulkner County, AR, plant Shiso after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Faulkner County, AR for Shiso?
Faulkner County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shiso grow in Faulkner County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Faulkner County's temperate climate. Faulkner County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.
Your Faulkner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Faulkner County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.