When to plant Shiso in Franklin County, IL
Plant Shiso in Franklin County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 17. Continue planting through May 8 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Shiso in Franklin 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.
Franklin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 747 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Franklin County, IL
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, IL?
Franklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, IL?
Franklin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Shiso in Franklin County, IL?
In Franklin County, IL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, IL for Shiso?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shiso grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 20.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.