Blog

When to Plant Shiso in Connecticut

Shiso (perilla) is a fragrant Japanese herb with large, ruffled leaves in green or purple varieties. It has a unique flavor combining mint, basil, and anise.

Connecticut spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Shiso planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Shiso Planting Calendar for Connecticut

Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 14
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 7
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 29

Growing Tips for Connecticut

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors. Both green and red varieties are available. Pinch tips to encourage bushiness. Self-sows prolifically; deadhead to control.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Connecticut?

Planting dates for Shiso in Connecticut depend on your USDA zone. Connecticut spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Connecticut for planting?

Connecticut contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.