When to Plant Shiso in McCurtain County, OK
May in the garden — McCurtain County, Oklahoma
Each item below is timed to McCurtain County, Oklahoma's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Indoor seed-starting week for shiso
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: 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.
McCurtain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 468 feet, McCurtain County receives approximately 28.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
McCurtain County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 McCurtain County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McCurtain County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shiso.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Shiso will thrive.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in McCurtain 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 — McCurtain County, OK
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in McCurtain County
Growing Tips for Shiso in McCurtain County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after April 02 in McCurtain County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 McCurtain County, OK?
McCurtain County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCurtain County, OK?
McCurtain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your McCurtain County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McCurtain County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.