When to plant Shiso in Edwards County, KS
Plant Shiso in Edwards County from April 22 to May 13 in spring. Edwards County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 15 and first frost on October 23.
When to Plant Shiso in Edwards County, KS
Your June game plan for Edwards County, Kansas
Each item below is timed to Edwards County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Sow shiso in trays indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Start harvesting shiso
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: shiso
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.
Edwards County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 814 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 22 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Edwards County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
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 Edwards County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.5) is more alkaline than Shiso prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Edwards County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
Shiso Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edwards 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 — Edwards County, KS
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Edwards County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Edwards County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after April 15 in Edwards County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Edwards County receives only 22" of rain annually. Shiso needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Edwards County, KS?
Edwards County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edwards County, KS?
Edwards County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Shiso in Edwards County, KS?
In Edwards County, KS, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Edwards County, KS for Shiso?
Edwards 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 Edwards County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Edwards County's temperate climate. Edwards County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 23.
Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards 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.