When to Plant Shiso in Vernon Parish, LA
This month in Vernon Parish, Louisiana
Each item below is timed to Vernon Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for shiso
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Vernon Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 481 feet, Vernon Parish receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Shiso may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.
Vernon Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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 Vernon Parish
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.2) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Vernon Parish is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shiso.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help 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
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Vernon 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 — Vernon Parish, LA
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 2 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Vernon Parish
Growing Tips for Shiso in Vernon Parish
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after March 05 in Vernon Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Vernon 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 Vernon Parish, LA?
Vernon Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vernon Parish, LA?
Vernon Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Vernon Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Vernon 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.