How to Grow Shiso
Perilla frutescens
Shiso (perilla) is a distinctive East Asian herb with aromatic leaves used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine. It needs warmth to thrive — start indoors in spring and plant out after last frost. Pinch tips regularly for bushy growth and to delay bolting. Both green and purple-leaved forms are available. It is short-day sensitive and will flower when days shorten in late summer, so start early for the longest harvest. Self-seeds readily in warm climates.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Avoid heavy nitrogen which reduces essential oil content and flavour intensity.
- A versatile East Asian herb with a unique flavour combining mint, basil, and cinnamon. Essential in Japanese and Korean cuisine. Short-day sensitive — will bolt when days shorten in late summer. Start early indoors for the longest harvest window.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–30°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.3 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Give plants room to bush out. Can be grown closer (20 cm) if harvesting young leaves frequently.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides
- Spray with water to dislodge
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Pinch out badly infested tips
- Fatty acid sprays approved for edible herbs
Pest Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine webbing on leaf undersides, stippled yellowing leaves, tiny mites visible with a hand lens
- Increase humidity by misting
- Introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mite
- Remove badly affected leaves
- Plant oil-based sprays
Disease Downy Mildew Peronospora spp.
Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces with grey-purple fuzzy growth underneath
Treatment: Remove affected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Good spacing. Avoid overhead watering. Water in the morning so foliage dries quickly.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Shiso?
- Plant Shiso 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Shiso?
- Shiso is ready to harvest approximately 40 days after transplanting.
- Is Shiso frost hardy?
- Shiso is classified as Tender.
