Add an exotic and flavorful touch to your garden with Japanese Red Shiso (Perilla) Seeds — a striking herb prized for its deep red foliage and versatile culinary uses. This fast-growing annual herb thrives in both garden beds and containers, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners. Its aromatic leaves are commonly used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines for pickling, garnishing, and flavoring beverages and dishes.

Features:

• Vibrant Foliage: Produces striking red-purple leaves for ornamental and culinary use.

• Aromatic & Flavorful: Distinctive taste similar to basil and mint with a hint of cinnamon.

• Fast-Growing: Matures quickly and grows abundantly in warm weather.

• Versatile Use: Ideal for cooking, garnishing, and herbal infusions.

• Perfect for Containers & Gardens: Adapts well to both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa

• Common Name: Japanese Red Shiso or Red Perilla

• Plant Type: Annual Herb

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil

• Water Needs: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist

• Zones: USDA Hardiness Zones 4–11 (grown as annual in cooler zones)

• Germination Time: 7–21 days

• Planting Depth: 1/8 inch (lightly covered)

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

• Growth Height: 18–36 inches tall

• Bloom Season: Summer

• Temperature for Germination: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

• Harvest Time: 60–70 days after sowing

• Maintenance: Low; regular pinching encourages bushy growth

Planting Guide:

1. Sowing Time: Start indoors in early spring or sow outdoors after the last frost.

2. Soil Preparation: Loosen soil and enrich with organic compost for best results.

3. Sowing: Scatter seeds on soil surface and lightly press; do not bury deeply.

4. Light & Watering: Provide bright light and maintain consistent moisture until germination.

5. Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors when the soil is warm and frost-free.

6. Harvesting: Pick young leaves for the best flavor; regular harvesting promotes new growth.