When to Plant Shiso in Valley County, NE
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.
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 982 feet, Valley County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.
Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Valley County, NE
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Valley County
Growing Tips for Valley 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 Valley County, NE?
Valley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valley County, NE?
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Valley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Valley County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.