When to plant Shiso in Ray County, MO
For Ray County, gardeners: plant Shiso April 22 through May 13 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Shiso in Ray County, MO
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.
Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 747 feet, Ray County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Ray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Ray County, MO
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Ray County
Growing Tips for Ray 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 →
Shiso in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Ray County, MO?
Ray County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ray County, MO?
Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Shiso in Ray County, MO?
In Ray County, MO, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ray County, MO for Shiso?
Ray County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shiso grow in Ray County's climate?
Yes — Shiso grows well in Ray County's temperate climate. Ray County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 25.
Your Ray County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ray 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.