How to Grow Red Shiso
Perilla frutescens
Your complete guide to growing Red Shiso.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Red Shiso
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | — | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – February | — | April – December |
| Zone 10 | January | — | April – December |
| Zone 11 | January | — | March – December |
Companion Plants for Red Shiso
✓ Good companions
Both herbs repel similar pests and have compatible growing requirements
Beans fix nitrogen which benefits shiso, while shiso repels bean beetles
Shiso repels cucumber beetles and ants while providing beneficial ground cover
Shiso deters flea beetles and aphids that frequently damage eggplant
Shiso provides partial shade for cool-season lettuce and deters aphids
Both plants repel nematodes and create a strong pest-deterrent combination
Mutual pest deterrent - shiso repels aphids while peppers don't compete for nutrients
Shiso repels aphids and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which is toxic to shiso and inhibits its growth
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most herbs including shiso
Aggressive spreader that competes for space and nutrients, can overwhelm shiso
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
