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When to plant Shiso in St. Clair County, MO

Plant Shiso in St. Clair County from April 15 to May 6 in spring. St. Clair County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 8 and first frost on October 26.

When to Plant Shiso in St. Clair 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.

St. Clair County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 699 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.

St. Clair County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

St. Clair County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Shiso Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, MO

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Aug 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

201 days in St. Clair County

Growing Tips for St. Clair 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 St. Clair County, MO?

St. Clair County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is St. Clair County, MO?

St. Clair County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Shiso in St. Clair County, MO?

In St. Clair County, MO, plant Shiso after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is St. Clair County, MO for Shiso?

St. Clair County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Shiso grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shiso grow in St. Clair County's climate?

Yes — Shiso grows well in St. Clair County's temperate climate. St. Clair County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your St. Clair County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for St. Clair County (Zone 6b). 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 St. Clair County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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