100 Red Shiso Seeds – Japanese Culinary Herb, Aromatic Perilla

Red Shiso, also known as Japanese Perilla or Beefsteak Plant, is a striking annual herb prized for its deep burgundy foliage and distinctive aromatic flavor. The serrated leaves add a vibrant splash of color to garden beds and containers, while the plant's unique scent and taste make it a favorite in Asian cuisine. Use fresh leaves in salads, sushi, and pickles, or let them dry for teas and seasoning blends.

Easy to grow from seed, Red Shiso thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It attracts beneficial pollinators and can be grown as an ornamental edible in borders or herb gardens. With its bold color and versatile culinary uses, Red Shiso is a rewarding addition to any gardener's repertoire.

Plant Features

• Deep burgundy, serrated leaves with a rich, aromatic flavor
• Versatile culinary herb used fresh or dried in Asian dishes
• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
• Grows well in containers or garden beds
• Annual plant that completes its life cycle in one season

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Perilla frutescens
• Plant Type: Annual herb
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (grown as annual)
• Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
• Mature Height: 18-36 inches
• Spacing: 12-18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Red Shiso seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface; they need light to germinate. Keep the soil evenly moist and maintain a temperature of 65-70°F. Germination typically occurs in 7-21 days. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin or transplant them to their final spacing.

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain soil moisture. Harvest leaves as needed once the plant is established, picking from the top to encourage bushy growth. Red Shiso is relatively pest-free and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for herb gardens and edible landscapes.

What's Included

100 Red Shiso seeds for planting.