When to Plant Shiso in USDA Zone 10b
Your May gardening checklist
Your Zone 10b garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for shiso
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: shiso
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 10b, 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 10b
Where Is USDA Zone 10b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 10b. Click any state to see the Shiso planting schedule for that location.
Shiso Planting Calendar — Zone 10b
| 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 10b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 10b 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Shiso in Zone
Sow every 5.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Shiso in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~364 days). Start Shiso indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
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Saving Shiso Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Shiso in Other Zones
Shiso by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Zone 10b?
In Zone 10b, 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 10b?
Yes, Shiso can grow well in Zone 10b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 10b 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 10b?
In Zone 10b, 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 10b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 10b 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.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.