When to plant Shiso in Bay County, FL
Plant Shiso in Bay County after March 5; the prime window is March 12–April 2.
When to Plant Shiso in Bay County, FL
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.
Bay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.
At an elevation of 388 feet, Bay County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Shiso will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.
Bay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Bay County, FL
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
260 days in Bay County
Growing Tips for Bay 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shiso in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Bay County, FL?
Bay County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bay County, FL?
Bay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.
When should I plant Shiso in Bay County, FL?
In Bay County, FL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bay County, FL for Shiso?
Bay County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shiso grow in Bay County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Bay County's temperate climate. Bay County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 20.
Your Bay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bay County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.