When to Plant Shiso in Caldwell Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
A quick May briefing for Caldwell Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for shiso
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 334 feet, Caldwell Parish receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Shiso may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Caldwell Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Caldwell Parish
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) is within Shiso's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Caldwell Parish is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Caldwell 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 — Caldwell Parish, LA
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 20 | Jan 20 – Feb 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jul 14 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Caldwell Parish
Growing Tips for Shiso in Caldwell Parish
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after March 10 in Caldwell Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Caldwell Parish, provide afternoon shade for Shiso and water deeply in the morning.
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 Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Caldwell Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caldwell Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.