When to Plant Shiso in Nowata County, OK
May to-do list for Nowata County, Oklahoma
Your garden in Nowata County, Oklahoma is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Begin indoor sowing: shiso
These need a head start before your last frost (April 7). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Get ahead of 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.
Nowata County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 839 feet, Nowata County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Nowata County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
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 Nowata County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) overlaps with Shiso's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Nowata County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nowata 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 — Nowata County, OK
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Nowata County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Nowata County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after April 07 in Nowata 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 Nowata County, OK?
Nowata County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nowata County, OK?
Nowata County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Nowata County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nowata County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.