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When to Plant Shiso in Minnesota

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.

Minnesota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b (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.

Shiso Planting Calendar for Minnesota

Zone 3a ~123 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 15 · First frost: September 15 · 123 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors June 5 Jun 5 – Jun 19
Direct Sow May 22 May 22 – Jun 12
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 – Sep 25
Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 – Jun 7
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 20
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 – Jun 10
Direct Sow May 13 May 13 – Jun 3
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 16
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 11

Growing Tips for Minnesota

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 Minnesota?

Planting dates for Shiso in Minnesota depend on your USDA zone. Minnesota spans zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Minnesota for planting?

Minnesota contains USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. 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.