Shiso (Perilla) in Zone 8a & 8b

Perilla frutescens

When to plant shiso (perilla) in zone 8b

Zones 8a and 8b 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	Apr 1–Apr 8
Estimated harvest	Jun 22–Jun 29 (~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 8's season

Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b 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 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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