When to Plant Shiso in Waller 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.
Waller County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 288 days.
At an elevation of 376 feet, Waller County receives approximately 64.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Waller County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Waller County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Waller County, TX
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 – Jun 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
288 days in Waller County
Growing Tips for Waller 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 Waller County, TX?
Waller County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waller County, TX?
Waller County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 4.
Your Waller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Waller County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.