Red Shiso Seeds
Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Ornamental herb seeds with an indescribable flavour
Likened to basil, people find it hard to define the flavour. Popular in Japan and all over Asia it is a perfect addition to your curated herb garden.
Approx 300 seeds
- Needs Love
- Likes Sun
- Hardy Perennial
- Grow Your Own
Red Shiso Seeds – Quick Growing Guide
Red shiso seeds produce vibrant, aromatic leaves popular in Asian cuisine. Sow from March to September either directly outdoors or in pots. They prefer warm, well-drained soil and partial sun. Regular watering keeps the soil moist but not waterlogged. Harvest leaves as needed for salads and garnishes.
How to Sow, Grow and Harvest Red Shiso Seeds
- Sow:March–September, direct or in pots
- Germination:7–14 days
- Grow:Warm, well-drained soil in partial sun
- Water:Keep soil moist, avoid waterlogging
- Harvest:Pick leaves regularly once plants are established
- Best for:Pots, beds, windowsills
Also known as Perilla, Red Shiso offers a flavour that’s hard to describe but often likened to basil with hints of mint and cinnamon. Popular in Japan and across Asia, it’s a versatile herb that thrives in sunny spots and is a charming addition to your herb garden.
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Grow in Your Garden
Calendar
How to Grow
Red Shiso seeds are best sown indoors from March to September to get a head start before transplanting outdoors after the last frost. This distinctive herb thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, making containers or garden beds ideal locations for growth.
Sowing
Surface sow 2-3 seeds per hole on firm, damp soil and gently pat down. Cover the sown area with a sheet of newspaper and keep it in the shade to encourage germination.
Growing
Once seedlings appear, thin to allow adequate space for growth, especially when grown in containers around 50 cm in size. Harden off the young plants before planting out to ensure they establish well during the July to October growing months.
Plant care
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, watering regularly but avoiding waterlogging. Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess, ensuring a robust plant. Regular attention is needed as this perennial herb requires some love to flourish in the garden or containers.
About Red Shiso
A striking and aromatic Asian herb, red shiso (Perilla frutescens) is grown for its deeply coloured purple leaves and distinctive flavour. Popular in Japanese and Korean cooking, it’s ideal for salads, garnishes, pickling, and herbal use. Easy to grow from seed, it thrives in pots or garden beds and adds both colour and flavour to the kitchen garden.
- Needs Love
- Likes Sun
- Hardy Perennial
- Grow Your Own
Eventual height & spread
History of Red Shiso
Historically, Shiso seeds were once used for lamp oil, but today the plant is prized for its culinary and medicinal uses. It’s easy to grow and offers vibrant red leaves that brighten any garden.
| Other Names | Japanese or Chinese Basil, Purple Mint |
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FAQs
Sow seeds indoors in early spring or direct sow outdoors after the last frost. Keep soil moist and in a sunny position.
Its flavour is often described as a mix of basil, mint, and cinnamon, adding a fresh, aromatic note to dishes.
Yes, it grows well in pots with good drainage and plenty of sunlight.