When to plant Shiso in Gulf County, FL
Aim to plant Shiso in Gulf County on or after March 4; the window stays open through March 25. Gulf County's 277-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.
When to Plant Shiso in Gulf County, FL
June to-do list for Gulf County, Florida
Your garden in Gulf County, Florida is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Pick 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.
Gulf County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 313 feet, Gulf County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Gulf County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 Gulf County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Shiso prefers (5.5–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Gulf County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Shiso will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shiso.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 19 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Gulf 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 — Gulf County, FL
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 14 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
276 days in Gulf County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Gulf County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after February 25 in Gulf County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Gulf County dries quickly — mulch Shiso with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Gulf County, FL?
Gulf County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gulf County, FL?
Gulf County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Shiso in Gulf County, FL?
In Gulf County, FL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around February 25) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gulf County, FL for Shiso?
Gulf 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 Gulf County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Gulf County's temperate climate. Gulf County averages a 277-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 25 and first frost around November 28.
Your Gulf County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gulf 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.