When to plant Shiso in Stuart, FL
Stuart gardeners should plant Shiso between February 1 and February 22 in spring. With Stuart's Zone 10b climate (last frost January 25), Shiso needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by October 4 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Shiso in Stuart, FL
Your July planting checklist for Martin County, Florida
Welcome to July in Zone 10b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
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.
Stuart, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 322 days.
At an elevation of 80 feet, Martin County receives approximately 56.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Stuart Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.7
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 Stuart
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.7) is more acidic than Shiso prefers (5.5–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Martin 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 (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 04 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 | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 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 (Jan–Dec in Martin 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 — Stuart, FL
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 14 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 22 |
| Harvest | March 29 | Mar 29 – May 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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 10b
📆 Growing Season
322 days in Martin County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Stuart
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after January 25 in Martin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Martin 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
When should I plant Shiso in Stuart, FL?
In Stuart, FL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stuart, FL for Shiso?
Stuart sits in USDA Zone 10b. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shiso grow in Stuart's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Stuart's temperate climate. Stuart averages a 323-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 13.
Your Martin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Martin County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.