When to Plant Shiso in Portage County, OH
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.
Portage County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,164 feet, Portage County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Portage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Portage County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Portage County, OH
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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
162 days in Portage County
Growing Tips for Portage 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 Portage County, OH?
Portage County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Portage County, OH?
Portage County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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