When to Plant Shiso in Wellington, ON
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.
Wellington, Ontario is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 1,095 feet, Wellington receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shiso to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Shiso, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Wellington Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shiso Planting Timeline — Wellington, ON
Shiso Planting Calendar
| 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 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Wellington
Growing Tips for Wellington
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shiso in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiso in Wellington, ON?
Wellington is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Shiso planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wellington, ON?
Wellington, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Wellington Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wellington (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.