Green Perilla Seed
Best aromatic herb for home cooks seeking unique global flavors.
Discover the vibrant taste of Green Perilla, also known as Shiso or Beefsteak, a delightful herb from the mint family. Its complex flavor, hinting at citrus, anise, and basil, adds a unique touch to salads, stir-fries, sushi, and pickles. This open-pollinated annual thrives in 65-70 days, offering tender leaves packed with nutrients. For optimal growth, provide 4-6 hours of sunlight and consistent moisture, with partial shade in warmer weather to prevent bolting. Harvest young greens frequently to enjoy their peak freshness and flavor.
$17.65
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6090
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+66%
Above average
Days to Maturity
6570
/ - days
Who it's for
- Home cooks exploring diverse global flavor profiles
- Novice gardeners wanting reliable, high-yield harvests
- Health-conscious growers seeking ornamental and edible garden additions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in arid climates without reliable irrigation systems
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding invasive plant management
- Busy cooks needing long-lasting refrigerator staples
Performance breakdown
Flavor Complexity
Distinct citrus and anise notes elevate standard culinary herb gardens.
Germination Reliability
Open-pollinated seeds offer consistent growth for both novice and expert gardeners.
Culinary Versatility
Adapts seamlessly from fresh sushi garnishes to flavorful stir-fry additions.
Growth Adaptability
Thrives in varied light conditions but requires shade during peak heat.
Harvest Efficiency
Frequent leaf harvesting encourages continuous production throughout the growing season.
Seed Saving Potential
Open-pollinated status makes this an ideal candidate for future seed collection.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
65-70 days
Botanical Name
Perilla frutescens
Seed Depth
0.25–0.5 inch
Seed Spacing
1–2 inches
Thin Plants to
6–12 inches
Row Spacing
16–18 inches
Soil pH Requirement
6.0-7.0
Seed Count
Approximately 225 seeds per 0.25 gram
Features
- Complex citrus, anise, and basil flavor profile
- Versatile culinary herb for various dishes
- Open-pollinated for seed saving
- Tolerates light frosts when young
- Prefers 60-70°F temperatures
- Suitable for direct sowing or indoor starts
- Low fertilizer requirements
- Annual life cycle
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Green Perilla seeds. Reviewers frequently highlight the impressive germination rates, noting that nearly every seed planted successfully sprouted. This reliability translates into vigorous, healthy plants that produce abundant, flavorful leaves. Gardeners appreciate the ease with which this variety establishes itself, making it a dependable choice even for novice growers. The consensus confirms these seeds deliver excellent results, justifying the investment for a successful harvest.
Know before you buy
Green Perilla, or Shiso, has a complex, bright flavor profile that balances notes of citrus, anise, and basil. It is a versatile herb that works well in both fresh salads and cooked dishes like stir-fries.
Yes, Green Perilla is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure your pot has good drainage and provides enough space for the plants to be spaced 6–12 inches apart once thinned.
Perilla is sensitive to heat and will bolt, or go to seed, if it gets too hot. To prevent this, provide partial shade during the hottest parts of the day and keep the soil consistently moist.
You can do both. Starting them indoors allows you to get a head start on the season, while direct sowing is easy once the soil has warmed up to the preferred 60–70°F range.
For the best flavor and texture, harvest the young leaves frequently throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting also encourages the plant to continue producing fresh, tender foliage.
Yes, because this variety is open-pollinated, you can successfully save the seeds from your plants at the end of the season to replant the following year.
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$18