When to Plant Shiso in Beauregard Parish, LA
May to-do list for Beauregard Parish, Louisiana
Your garden in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Pick shiso
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Beauregard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 206 feet, Beauregard Parish receives approximately 49.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Shiso will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Beauregard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Beauregard Parish
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Beauregard Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Shiso will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Beauregard Parish). 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 — Beauregard Parish, LA
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jul 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Beauregard Parish
Growing Tips for Shiso in Beauregard Parish
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after March 07 in Beauregard Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Beauregard Parish dries quickly — mulch Shiso with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Beauregard Parish, LA?
Beauregard Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Beauregard Parish, LA?
Beauregard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Beauregard Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Beauregard Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.