£0.99
Perilla, also known as Shiso, is a widely used herb in Japan and across Asia for seasoning various dishes, including vegetables, rice, soups, fish, and more. The finely sliced leaves add a touch of elegance to culinary presentations. In Japanese cuisine, it is often paired with ginger in salads, sautéed vegetables, sashimi, tempura, and sushi. Shiso boasts a delightful and intricate aroma, with a taste that is often challenging to articulate, with hints of cinnamon, basil, anise, and citrus commonly mentioned.
The traditional Perilla comes in both red and green leaf varieties. The red leaves impart a more pronounced anise flavour and are slightly less spicy than their green counterparts, which carry a cinnamon-like taste. This unique variation of Perilla, sometimes referred to as Perilla ‘Britton’ or ‘Briton’ and known as ‘Hojiso’ in Japan, features bi-coloured leaves. With serrated edges and red veins, the leaves display a striking color contrast, especially when grown in temperatures below 29°C.
Approx. 100 Seeds
In stock
Sowing & Growing
Sow the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the anticipated last frosts, typically around March/April. In warmer climates, earlier sowing may be beneficial. Seeds can be directly sown outdoors or started indoors in pots or trays. Prepare containers with a mix of compost and a small portion of sand (about 10%). Create shallow holes, spaced comfortably apart, and place two or three seeds in each hole. Cover lightly with soil, and use a newspaper sheet to shield them from direct sunlight.
Keep the setup shaded and consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs in 15-30 days at temperatures around 22°C. After the initial sprouting, remove the newspaper and expose the Perilla plants to full sun throughout the day. Once temperatures are consistently warm, transplant the Perilla plants outdoors. They thrive in full sun, prefer rich, well-drained, and moist soil. Provide some protection, like a cloche, until the plants are well-established. Cultivation is straightforward—simply water when the soil is dry, focusing on the base of the stems to prevent leaf burn.
| Packet Size | Approx. 100 Seeds |
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