When to Plant Shiso in Nicholas County, WV
May in the garden — Nicholas County, West Virginia
Your Nicholas County, West Virginia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Set out shiso seedlings
Your last frost (May 4) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
-
Scatter shiso into prepared beds
Your soil is 60°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: shiso
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.
Nicholas County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 2,348 feet, Nicholas County receives approximately 46.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Shiso during the growing season.
Nicholas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Nicholas County
How your county's soil matches Shiso's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) is within Shiso's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nicholas County is excellent for Shiso — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shiso.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Shiso.
How to Plant Shiso
Succession Planting Shiso
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Nicholas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shiso Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Nicholas County, WV
Shiso Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Nicholas County
Growing Tips for Shiso in Nicholas County
Direct sow Shiso outdoors after May 04 in Nicholas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Nicholas County, WV?
Nicholas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nicholas County, WV?
Nicholas County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Nicholas County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nicholas County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.