Shiso (Perilla) in Zone 4a & 4b
Perilla frutescens
Yes, shiso (perilla) grows in zones 4a and 4b. Plant it outside May 22–May 29.
When to plant shiso (perilla) in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It 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.
Plant alongside it in zone 4b
These go outside within two weeks of shiso (perilla) in zone 4b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 29–Jun 5
- BorageMay 15–May 22
- RosemaryMay 29–Jun 5
- DillMay 8–May 15
- CatmintMay 22–May 29
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)May 22–May 29
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.
Shiso (Perilla) planting windows in every zone
Zone 4b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Not usually | Jun 6–Jun 13 | Aug 27–Sep 3 |
| 4a & 4b (your zone) | Not usually | May 22–May 29 | Aug 12–Aug 19 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 17–May 24 | Aug 7–Aug 14 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | May 2–May 9 | Jul 23–Jul 30 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jul 8–Jul 15 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 22–Jun 29 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 15–May 22 |
| 10a & 10b | Not usually | Feb 6–Feb 13 | Apr 29–May 6 |
| 11a & 11b | Not usually | Jan 8–Jan 15 | Mar 31–Apr 7 |
Harvest dates are about 82 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for shiso (perilla).
Where to buy shiso seeds
True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's shiso seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Green shiso (aojiso): The one to grow if you're eating it fresh. Bright, between mint and basil with an anise edge. Buy: True Leaf Market Full notes
- Red shiso (akajiso): More bitter and more astringent than green, and mostly used cooked or pickled rather than raw. Buy: True Leaf Market Full notes
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 4b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Shiso (Perilla) in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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