When to plant Shiso in Pulaski County, AR
For Pulaski County, gardeners: plant Shiso March 27 through April 17 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Shiso in Pulaski County, AR
Pulaski County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your June plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Pulaski County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Basket week: shiso
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: shiso
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.
Pulaski County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,055 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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 Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) is within Shiso's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
Shiso Water Budget
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Pulaski 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 — Pulaski County, AR
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| 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
236 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Pulaski County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after March 20 in Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, AR?
Pulaski County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, AR?
Pulaski County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.
When should I plant Shiso in Pulaski County, AR?
In Pulaski County, AR, plant Shiso after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pulaski County, AR for Shiso?
Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 11.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.