Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
A wonderful herb also known as Japanese Basil, or, Beefsteak Plant, the unique flavor of shiso is often described as a combination of cinnamon, oregano, mint, and clove with overtones of cumin. Purple shiso is well known in Japanese cuisine for flavoring pickled umeboshi plums and imparting the wonderful purple color. We add shiso to stir-fries and make a delicious iced-tea out of the leaves for a refreshing summertime treat.
Origin: The parent seed of our purple shiso came from Mama's Aunts' garden in Asaka, Saitama, Japan.
(Approximately 50 seeds per packet)
Planting Instructions: Either start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or outdoors after frost when soil temperature is above 65F. Press a group of seeds into the soil every 12" (needs light to germinate) in full sun. Note: Shiso can be slow to germinate and can take up to 21 days to sprout. Presoaking seeds for 24 hrs. in the refrigerator before planting can help speed the process!
