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When to plant Shiso in Crawford County, IL

For Crawford County, gardeners: plant Shiso April 21 through May 12 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Shiso in Crawford County, IL

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.

Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 555 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.

Crawford County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Crawford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Shiso Planting Timeline — Crawford County, IL

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Crawford County

Growing Tips for Crawford 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Crawford County, IL?

Crawford County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crawford County, IL?

Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Shiso in Crawford County, IL?

In Crawford County, IL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Crawford County, IL for Shiso?

Crawford County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shiso grow in Crawford County's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.

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Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 6b). 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 Crawford County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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