Shiso Purple Herb Seeds

Perilla frutescens var. crispata, commonly known as Purple Shiso, is a striking and aromatic herb that adds both visual appeal and bold flavour to your garden and kitchen. With its vibrant purple, jagged leaves, Shiso is often used in Asian cuisine, where its unique flavour—somewhere between basil, mint, and anise—enhances dishes such as sushi, salads, pickles, and stir-fries.

 

The name Perilla comes from the Latin for "mint," while frutescens means "shrubby," reflecting its bushy, upright growth habit. Purple Shiso is especially prized for its ornamental value as well as its culinary uses.

 

This aromatic herb is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Shiso Purple grows to a height of 30 - 45 cm, making it perfect for herb gardens, container planting, or as a companion plant in vegetable patches.

 

The herb also produces small, white to purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season for their distinctive flavour and used fresh in a wide variety of dishes.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 175

 

Sow: March - May (indoors) or April - May (outdoors)

Germination: 7 - 14 days

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH

Height: 30 - 45 cm

Flowering: July - September

Companion Plants: Mint, Basil, Chilli Peppers

Avoid Planting With: Strong-flavoured herbs like rosemary or sage

 

Shiso Purple is low-maintenance once established. Regular watering during dry spells is recommended, but avoid over-watering, as the plant is prone to root rot in soggy soil. Harvest the tender leaves frequently to encourage new growth, and allow the plant to flower to attract pollinators to your garden. Purple Shiso is best used fresh, as the flavour is most potent when the leaves are young.

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Indoors: Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with moist, well-drained compost from March to April. Lightly cover the seeds with compost and keep at 18-21°C. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, and harden off before planting outdoors after the last frost.

 

Outdoors: Sow directly into prepared, weed-free soil from April to May. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep moist until germination occurs. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing for healthy growth.

 

Shiso Purple is an excellent addition to herb gardens, edible landscapes, or containers, offering vibrant colour and a unique flavour to your culinary creations. Whether used in Asian-inspired dishes or as a decorative plant, Purple Shiso is sure to make a bold statement in your garden.