Perilla - Green Shiso [Perilla frutescens]

The annual green shiso is a versatile and heat-loving vegetable, spice, oil and medicinal plant for raw consumption. The herb has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the seeds and leaves.

 Description 
The perilla, also known as green shiso, is an annual vegetable, spice, oil and medicinal plant from East Asia. The versatile, heat-loving species is found in the wild on damp wasteland. The exotic herb from the Far East has a particularly fresh taste and aroma that is reminiscent of a mixture of cumin and mint. The plant grows upright and forms green, tapered leaves that are suitable for raw consumption and are used in soups, pesto and sushi. The oil extracted from the seeds is used in natural medicine, has a water-repellent effect and was previously used for making soap or for paints and inks. The herb has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The herb is indispensable in Japanese cuisine.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 14-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 5-6 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: Mustard, Asian cabbage

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from April to September is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from May to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin the plants to the specified plant spacing. The plant is relatively undemanding and thrives particularly well in temperate climates, but can also be grown in subtropical climates. It is not particularly sensitive to high temperatures as long as it receives sufficient water and care. Shiso prefers loamy, nutrient-rich, moist, and permeable soils.
Green Shiso prefers loamy, nutrient-rich, moist and permeable soils. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The aromatic substances in the leaves reduce once the flowers form. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, it is recommended to additionally incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Regularly removing the shoot tips promotes bushy growth. Evenly moist soil is necessary for stable growth. In severe dry periods, additional watering is recommended. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Perilla frutescens, Mentha perilloides
English names: Green Shiso, Perilla
German names: Grünblättrige Perilla, Shiso, Sesamblatt, Perillakraut
Portuguese names: Shiso verde
Spanish names: Shiso verde
French names: Périlla verte

 Origin 
Country: Portugal