When to Plant Shiso in USDA Zone 7b
April in Zone 7b — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 7b this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Get shiso in the ground
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Plant shiso from seed, right in the garden
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Get ahead of May
- Starting indoors: 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 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.
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.
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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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.
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
235 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 (~235 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.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
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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 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.
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.