Shiso (Perilla) in Zone 4a & 4b

Perilla frutescens

When to plant shiso (perilla) in zone 4b

Zones 4a and 4b 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	May 22–May 29
Estimated harvest	Aug 12–Aug 19 (~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 4's season

Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 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 →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.

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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Pin this for later

Growing Shiso (Perilla) in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

Save to Pinterest