When to Plant Shiso in Hancock County, ME
This month in Hancock County, Maine
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Hancock County, Maine.
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Get shiso in the ground
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Seed shiso outdoors
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Hancock County, Maine is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 654 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Hancock County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hancock County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Hancock 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 — Hancock County, ME
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Hancock County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after May 06 in Hancock 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 Hancock County, ME?
Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, ME?
Hancock County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hancock County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.