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When to Plant Shiso in Codington County, SD

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.

Codington County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 679 feet, Codington County receives approximately 20.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall.

Codington County, SD (Zone 4a) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Codington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.2

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 โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Codington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Shiso Planting Timeline โ€” Codington County, SD

Shiso Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 13

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

156 days in Codington County

Growing Tips for Codington 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Codington County, SD?

Codington County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Codington County, SD?

Codington County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Codington County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Codington County, SD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.