Shiso (Perilla) in Zone 11a & 11b
Perilla frutescens
When to plant shiso (perilla) in zone 11b
Zones 11a and 11b 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 | Jan 8–Jan 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 31–Apr 7 (~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 11's season
Zone 11b is frost-free in this dataset, so frost is not what limits the calendar here. What you can plant, and when, comes down to summer heat and daylength instead.
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 11b 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 11b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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