How to Grow Shiso (Perilla): Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Direct sow after last frost (UAF). Harvest until first frost (UAF). No indoor start weeks sourced. NC/UVM: self-seeds; deadhead; NC invasive listing.

Shiso at a glance

PlantDirect sow: last frost; Protect / end: last frost
SunUC/UAF: full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil; heat tolerant.
FrostFrost-tender
SpacingUAF: seed ¼–½ inch deep (light); thin to 8–12 inches; height about 24 inches.
Days to harvest~60–70 days (UAF)
-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Self-seeds / invasive: NC State lists perilla as invasive in North Carolina (and notes listings in VA, WV, TN, KY). UVM: readily self-seeds — remove flowers before seed. (NC State Perilla frutescens)

Shiso plant
Shiso (Perilla frutescens). Photo: George E. Koronaios, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized).

Planting timing

UAF Master Gardener: “Sow seeds … in Spring after the last frost.” Harvest “until the first frost.” (UAF shiso) UC Sacramento MG: “Like basil, shiso is frost tender”; soak seed 24 hours before planting. (UC herbs) No sourced indoor frost-week start — do not invent one.

Depth and spacing

UAF: seed ¼–½ inch deep (light); thin to 8–12 inches; height about 24 inches. UC: plants up to 3 feet.

Sun, soil and water

UC/UAF: full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil; heat tolerant.

Care and containment

Deadhead before seed (UVM/NC). NC: toxic to cattle if grazed — contain plantings.

Harvest

UAF: about 60–70 days to harvest; leaves until first frost.

Pests and diseases

UAF notes snails; handpick. NC: few insect/disease problems in landscape framing.

Related: basil · ZIP planner · organic pest control

Frequently asked questions

When do I sow shiso?

After last frost (UAF). Frost tender (UC).

Will it take over?

Yes risk — self-seeds; NC invasive listing; deadhead (NC/UVM).

Soak seed?

Yes — 24 hours before planting (UC).

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources