Red Perilla Shiso Seeds - 500mg Non-GMO Aromatic Herb for Planting

Red Perilla, also known as Shiso, is a versatile aromatic herb with striking deep red foliage. Its leaves add vibrant color and a unique mint-basil flavor to culinary dishes, and the plant itself is an attractive addition to herb gardens and ornamental borders. Easy to grow from seed, Red Shiso is a favorite among gardeners for its dual purpose: it's both a flavorful herb and a beautiful ornamental plant.

Whether you're growing it for its edible leaves, for pickling, or simply to enjoy its visual appeal, Red Perilla Shiso is a rewarding choice. The plants are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of garden settings, from containers to garden beds.

Plant Features

• Deep red, serrated leaves with a distinct aroma
• Dual-purpose herb: edible and ornamental
• Attracts pollinators with its spikes of small flowers
• Self-seeds readily in favorable conditions
• Leaves are commonly used in Asian cuisine and for natural coloring

Growing Information

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

Planting & Care

Sow Red Perilla seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface; do not cover deeply, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs in 7-14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or transplant them to their final spacing.

Red Perilla prefers rich, well-drained soil and regular watering. Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and harvest leaves as needed throughout the season. The plant will produce flower spikes in late summer, which can be left for ornamental interest or removed to prolong leaf production.

What's Included

500mg of Red Perilla Shiso seeds (Non-GMO).