Perilla

Perilla — variety description

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is an annual herb of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Perilla is a beautiful annual leafy plant that is also a great culinary herb.

The herb originates from Japan.

The plant has deep purple stems, which are square, and purple to red leaves.

The plant is strongly aromatic with a minty fragrance and is very attractive to butterflies. In a humid climate the herb plants grow very quickly, and to keep a neat appearance, pinch out the tips. Reaches a height of up to about 90 cm.

As a culinary herb, Perilla has a sweet-spicy aroma that is widely used in Oriental cooking.

The red colour of perilla leaves is used for colouring and pickling fruits and vegetables.

Perilla seeds are also used to make a nutritious cooking oil.

This herbal plant contains many vitamins and minerals and is 2000 times sweeter than sugar.

Perilla (shiso) is a Japanese aromatic herb with a taste of mint and cinnamon – for sushi, salads and marinades.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 90%
• Seeds per packet: 170–230 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: March and April; seedlings
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Perilla

Perilla seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower from June to September. The crop is harvested from June to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Perilla

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Grow Perilla herb in full sun in rich, well-drained soil. Water only when dry. Sow the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil moist. Transplant Perilla plants outdoors once temperatures are consistently warm. Give the plants some protection until they are well established. Flowering: June–Sept.

The seeds germinate in light.

Harvest and use

Pick the leaves throughout the season.

Frequently asked questions

When should Perilla be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 170–230 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 90%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.