Product Review
Perilla frutescens is a very attractive annual that is fragrant and attracts butterflies. The plant is also very nutritious and can be used as a flavoring. At one time it was a main ingredient in sarsaparilla. It reaches 36 inches in height, prefers full sun and well-drained, rich soil. Perilla has square stems that are purple and purplish-red tinted leaves. It makes and an attractive plant all summer and fall and flowers with pinkish white blooms in mid-summer. There are many common names for this annual: Ao Shiso, Beefsteak Plant, Ji Soo, Purple Perilla, Shiso, Wild Basil, Wild Red basil, Chinese Basil, Purple Mint, Rattlesnake Weed, and Summer Coleus. Directly sow the seed outdoors in the spring after frost season has passed. Cover the seed with ¼ inch of soil and keep it moist. With a temperature of 70F, germination is usually in 30 days. Space plants 18 - 24 inches apart. In frost-free zones, Perilla will grow as a perennial.
- Perilla frutescens is a very attractive annual that is fragrant and attracts butterflies. The plant is also very nutritious and can be used as a flavoring. At one time it was a main ingredient in sarsaparilla.
- Perilla is a 3 foot tall annual plant growing in USDA zones 3 - 11.
- It reaches 36 inches in height, prefers full sun and well-drained, rich soil. Perilla has square stems that are purple and purplish-red tinted leaves. It makes and an attractive plant all summer and fall and flowers with pinkish white blooms in mid-summer.
- There are many common names for this annual: Ao Shiso, Beefsteak Plant, Ji Soo, Purple Perilla, Shiso, Wild Basil, Wild Red basil, Chinese Basil, Purple Mint, Rattlesnake Weed, and Summer Coleus.
- Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant. Directly sow the seed outdoors in the spring after frost season has passed. Cover the seed with ¼ inch of soil and keep it moist. With a temperature of 70F, germination is usually in 30 days. Space plants 18 – 24 inches apart. In frost-free zones, Perilla will grow as a perennial.
