When to Plant Shiso in Ontario

Q: When should I plant Shiso in Ontario?

Planting dates for Shiso in Ontario vary by zone. Ontario spans zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a.

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.

Ontario spans USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a (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 Ontario

▸ 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

▸ Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 28	Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors	May 2	May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow	April 25	Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest	June 27	Jun 27 – Aug 22

▸ 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

▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 28	Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors	April 1	Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow	March 25	Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest	May 27	May 27 – Jul 22

▸ Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 18	Jan 18 – Feb 1
Transplant Outdoors	March 22	Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow	March 15	Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest	May 17	May 17 – Jul 12

Growing Tips for Ontario

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.

Shiso in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Ontario?

Planting dates for Shiso in Ontario depend on your USDA zone. Ontario spans zones 4a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Ontario for planting?

Ontario contains USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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.

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