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When to plant Shiso in Webster County, KY

Plant Shiso in Webster County after April 6; the prime window is April 13–May 4.

When to Plant Shiso in Webster County, KY

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.

Webster County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.

At an elevation of 2,039 feet, Webster County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.

Webster County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
208 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
208 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Webster County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Webster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Shiso Planting Timeline — Webster County, KY

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 – May 4
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 10

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 7a

📆 Growing Season

208 days in Webster County

Growing Tips for Webster 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 Webster County, KY?

Webster County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Webster County, KY?

Webster County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Shiso in Webster County, KY?

In Webster County, KY, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Webster County, KY for Shiso?

Webster 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 Webster County's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in Webster County's temperate climate. Webster County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.

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Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webster 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.

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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 Webster County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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