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When to plant Shiso in Mahnomen County, MN

Mahnomen County's 137-day season only supports one Shiso planting per year. Sow between May 20 and June 10 for the best chance at full maturity before September 27.

When to Plant Shiso in Mahnomen County, MN

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.

Mahnomen County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 1,223 feet, Mahnomen County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.

Mahnomen County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Mahnomen County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Shiso Planting Timeline — Mahnomen County, MN

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors June 3 Jun 3 – Jun 17
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 – Jun 10
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 23

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May 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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

137 days in Mahnomen County

Growing Tips for Mahnomen 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 Mahnomen County, MN?

Mahnomen County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mahnomen County, MN?

Mahnomen County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.

When should I plant Shiso in Mahnomen County, MN?

In Mahnomen County, MN, plant Shiso after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mahnomen County, MN for Shiso?

Mahnomen County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shiso grow in Mahnomen County's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in Mahnomen County's temperate climate. Mahnomen County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 27.

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Your Mahnomen County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mahnomen County (Zone 4a). 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 Mahnomen County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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