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When to plant Shiso in Reddick, FL

Reddick gardeners should plant Shiso between February 22 and March 15 in spring. With Reddick's Zone 9a climate (last frost February 15), Shiso needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by September 22 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Shiso in Reddick, 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.

Reddick, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.

At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Shiso may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Reddick, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
289 days
Last Spring Frost February 15
289 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Reddick Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

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 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Shiso Planting Timeline — Reddick, FL

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 18
Transplant Outdoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Harvest April 19 Apr 19 – Jun 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

289 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Reddick

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 →

When should I plant Shiso in Reddick, FL?

In Reddick, FL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Reddick, FL for Shiso?

Reddick sits in USDA Zone 9a. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shiso grow in Reddick's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in Reddick's temperate climate. Reddick averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.

🌱

Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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