When to Plant Shiso in Anderson County, TX
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.
Anderson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
At an elevation of 86 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 73.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Shiso may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Shiso will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.
Anderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Anderson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Anderson County, TX
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
255 days in Anderson County
Growing Tips for Anderson 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 Anderson County, TX?
Anderson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anderson County, TX?
Anderson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Anderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Anderson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.