When to Plant Shiso in USDA Zone 10a
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.
In Zone 10a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Shiso Planting Timeline — Zone 10a
Where Is USDA Zone 10a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 10a. Click any state to see the Shiso planting schedule for that location.
Shiso Planting Calendar — Zone 10a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 20 | Nov 20 – Dec 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 29 |
| Harvest | March 5 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Start Indoors |
| December | Start Indoors |
Free Zone 10a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 10a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
30°F to 35°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 10a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 10a
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Shiso Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Related Plants
Shiso in Other Zones
Shiso by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Zone 10a?
In Zone 10a, plan your Shiso planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around November 20. Direct sow outdoors around January 8. Transplant seedlings around January 8.
Can Shiso grow in Zone 10a?
Yes, Shiso can grow well in Zone 10a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 10a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Shiso (50-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Shiso in Zone 10a?
In Zone 10a, expect to harvest Shiso from March 5 – April 30. Shiso takes 50-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 10a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 10a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Shiso?
Good companion plants for Shiso include Tomatoes, Peppers. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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