When to Plant Shiso in Somervell 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.
Somervell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 4,773 feet, Somervell County receives approximately 64.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Shiso, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shiso root diseases.
Somervell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.2-7.8
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Somervell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Somervell County, TX
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | 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
238 days in Somervell County
Growing Tips for Somervell 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 Somervell County, TX?
Somervell County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Somervell County, TX?
Somervell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Somervell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Somervell 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.