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When to Plant Shiso in USDA Zone 7b

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 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

Zone 7b Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Shiso Planting Timeline — Zone 7b

Where Is USDA Zone 7b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Shiso planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Shiso Planting Calendar — Zone 7b

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

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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

5°F to 10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

235 days (Zone 7b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing8 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 7b

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

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shiso in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, plan your Shiso planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Start seeds indoors around January 28. Direct sow outdoors around March 25. Transplant seedlings around April 1.

Can Shiso grow in Zone 7b?

Yes, Shiso can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Shiso (50-70 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Shiso in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Shiso from May 27 – July 22. Shiso takes 50-70 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 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

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 7b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.