When to Plant Shiso in Custer County, MT
May to-do list for Custer County, Montana
Your Custer County, Montana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Scatter shiso into prepared beds
Your soil is 36°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
Get ahead of June
- Transplants going out: 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.
Custer County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 5,983 feet, Custer County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.1
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 Custer County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–8.1) is more alkaline than Shiso prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Custer County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Custer 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 — Custer County, MT
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Custer County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Custer County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after May 14 in Custer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Custer County receives only 24" of rain annually. Shiso needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Custer County, MT?
Custer County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, MT?
Custer County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Custer County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Custer 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.