When to plant Shiso in Jackson County County,
Jackson County County's climate puts the Shiso spring window between April 24 and May 15. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Shiso in Jackson County, KY
June in the garden — Jackson County, Kentucky
Your garden in Jackson County, Kentucky is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Get shiso seeds going inside
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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Bring in the shiso
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Jackson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) is within Shiso's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson 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 — Jackson County, KY
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Jackson County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after April 17 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Jackson County, KY?
Jackson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, KY?
Jackson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Shiso in Jackson County, ?
In Jackson County, , plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, for Shiso?
Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 23.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.