When to plant Shiso in Kankakee County, IL
Spring Shiso in Kankakee County goes in April 27–May 18, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Shiso in Kankakee 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.
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Kankakee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Kankakee County, IL
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kankakee County
Growing Tips for Kankakee 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 Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Shiso in Kankakee County, IL?
In Kankakee County, IL, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kankakee County, IL for Shiso?
Kankakee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shiso grow in Kankakee County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Kankakee County's temperate climate. Kankakee County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.
Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.