
Details
Also known as Japanese basil, shiso’s incredible flavor can be described as a combination of cinnamon and clove with overtones of cumin. The leaves are used to color/flavor vinegar and add to salads. Shiso also pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and cucumbers. A beautiful plant to add to your garden, and excellent for containers.
Green-purple shiso leaves are often wrapped around sushi or served with “sashimi” as a garnish. They also are added to soups, tempura or dried and sprinkled over rice. Shiso seeds form an essential part of the famous seven spices of Japan, which originated more than 300 years ago in Kyoto.
Most sushi fans are probably familiar with the leaf, but chopped shiso buds are especially delicious. Shiso seeds are packed with aromatic flavor, and they’re especially good toasted and crushed on top of fish.
The leaves are rich in calcium and iron, and are used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma, colds, flu and other respiratory ailments.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Perilla frutescens |
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Life Cycle | Annual |
Min. Time to Germinate | 15 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 30 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate |
When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
Growing Height | 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
Plant Spacing | 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) |
Hardiness | N/A |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
Danger | N/A |
Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall |
Other Details | Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
Days to Harvest | 80-90 |
Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
Seed Collecting | Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |