Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.
Japanese Shiso Green
Herb
HerbPerilla frutescens var. crispa
- Partial sun
- Zones 10–11
- 60 days to maturity
- Herbs
- 12" spacing
- High water
- Annual
- pH 6–7.5
Overview
An essential Asian herb with distinctive serrated leaves that provide a unique flavor combining mint, basil, and anise notes with a slight cinnamon finish. Widely used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines, this fast-growing annual is prized for wrapping sushi, pickling, and adding aromatic complexity to Asian dishes. Both the leaves and flower spikes are edible and highly flavorful.
Planting
Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date.
Growing
Sun: partial. Water: high. Soil pH: 6–7.5. Space plants 12" apart. Germination: 7-14.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Japanese beetles, aphids, flea beetles. Common diseases: Bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew in very humid conditions.