Shiso (Perilla) in Zone 6a & 6b

Perilla frutescens

When to plant shiso (perilla) in zone 6b

Zones 6a and 6b 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.

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 6's season

Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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

• Botanical Interests
• True Leaf Market
• Burpee
• High Mowing Organic 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 6b 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 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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