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When to plant Shiso in Wright County, MN

Wright County's climate puts the Shiso spring window between May 8 and May 29. be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops.

When to Plant Shiso in Wright 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.

Wright County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 997 feet, Wright County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.

Wright County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Wright County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.2

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Shiso Planting Timeline — Wright County, MN

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Wright County

Growing Tips for Wright 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 Wright County, MN?

Wright County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wright County, MN?

Wright County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Shiso in Wright County, MN?

In Wright County, MN, plant Shiso after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wright County, MN for Shiso?

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

Can Shiso grow in Wright County's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in Wright County's temperate climate. Wright County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Wright County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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