When to Plant Shiso in Martin 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.
Martin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 4,922 feet, Martin County receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°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.
Martin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Martin County, TX
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 |
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 | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Martin County
Growing Tips for Martin 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 Martin County, TX?
Martin County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Martin County, TX?
Martin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Martin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Martin 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.