When to Plant Shiso in Luzerne County, PA
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.
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 701 feet, Luzerne County receives approximately 44.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Luzerne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Luzerne County, PA
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 |
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 | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Luzerne County
Growing Tips for Luzerne 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 Luzerne County, PA?
Luzerne County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Luzerne County, PA?
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Luzerne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Luzerne County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.