Shiso (Perilla) in Zone 10a & 10b

Perilla frutescens

When to plant shiso (perilla) in zone 10b

Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Shiso (Perilla) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoors	Not typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outside	Feb 6–Feb 13
Estimated harvest	Apr 29–May 6 (~82 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-3 ft.

Shiso is one of the best arguments for growing your own. It's cheap and easy from seed, it's almost impossible to buy fresh outside a Japanese or Korean grocer, and it goes limp within a day of picking, so the shop-bought version is never as good as the one you walked outside for.

How shiso (perilla) fits zone 10's season

Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Shiso (Perilla) needs about 82 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Shiso (Perilla).

Where to buy shiso seeds

See why we recommend these suppliers →

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing shiso (perilla)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Shiso (Perilla) in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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