Purple shiso, also known as Perilla frutescens or Japanese basil, is a striking herb with deep purple, crinkled leaves that add both flavor and flair to dishes. With its unique cinnamon-mint flavor, it’s a staple in Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, used in everything from sushi wraps to pickles. Beyond its culinary uses, purple shiso is easy to grow, visually stunning, and a great addition to any garden. Here’s a guide to growing and caring for this versatile herb.
Why Grow Purple Shiso?
• Culinary Versatility: Its leaves, seeds, and flowers are edible, offering a bold, aromatic flavor for salads, soups, and garnishes.
• Ornamental Beauty: The vibrant purple foliage makes it a standout in garden beds or containers.
• Health Benefits: Shiso is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, often used in herbal remedies.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
How to Grow Purple Shiso
1. Choosing the Right Location
Purple shiso thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Select a spot with:
• Full sun to partial shade: At least 6 hours of sunlight daily is ideal, though it tolerates some shade.
• Well-draining soil: Shiso prefers fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5.
2. Starting from Seeds
Shiso is easy to grow from seeds, which can be sown indoors or directly in the garden.
• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds in seed trays, lightly covering them with soil. Keep them moist and warm (70–75°F). Seeds germinate in 7–14 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the frost risk passes.
• Outdoors: After the last frost, sow seeds directly in the soil, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
• Tip: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to speed up germination.
3. Planting and Spacing
• Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for their bushy growth (they can reach 2–3 feet tall).
• If growing in containers, choose a pot at least 12 inches deep with good drainage.
4. Care and Maintenance
Purple shiso is low-maintenance but benefits from consistent care:
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks or enrich soil with compost.
• Pinching Back: Pinch the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
• Pest Control: Shiso is relatively pest-resistant but watch for aphids or spider mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
5. Harvesting
• Begin harvesting leaves when the plant is 6–8 inches tall, typically 60–70 days after planting.
• Snip leaves as needed, starting with the outer ones. Regular harvesting encourages new growth.
• For seeds, wait until the flower heads dry out, then collect and store them for replanting or culinary use.
• Tip: Young leaves are tender and flavorful, while mature leaves are better for cooking or drying.
6. Overwintering and Saving Seeds
• Shiso is an annual in most climates but can self-seed if flower heads are left on the plant.
• In colder regions (USDA zones 5 and below), grow shiso as an annual or bring potted plants indoors before frost.
• Collect seeds in late summer or fall for the next season. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Tips for Success
• Companion Planting: Pair shiso with tomatoes, peppers, or basil to enhance garden diversity and deter pests.
• Culinary Inspiration: Use fresh leaves to wrap sushi, garnish cocktails, or infuse vinegar. Dry leaves for teas or spice blends.
• Avoid Overwatering: Soggy soil can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
• Prune Flowers: If you want to focus on leaf production, pinch off flower buds to redirect energy.
Common Challenges
• Slow Germination: If seeds are slow to sprout, ensure they’re kept warm and moist. A heat mat can help.
• Leggy Growth: Insufficient sunlight or overcrowding can cause spindly plants. Provide ample light and space.
• Frost Sensitivity: Shiso is not frost-tolerant, so protect young plants with row covers if temperatures dip unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts
Purple shiso is a delightful herb that brings color, flavor, and functionality to your garden. With minimal effort, you can grow this eye-catching plant and enjoy its leaves in countless dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, shiso’s adaptability and charm make it a must-have. Start some seeds this spring, and by summer, you’ll have a thriving patch of purple shiso to elevate your culinary creations!
Shiso seeds are available in our catalog!
Origin: The parent seed of our purple shiso came from Mama's Aunts' garden in Asaka, Saitama, Japan.