Perilla - Green Shiso [Perilla frutescens]

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 wild on moist fallow land. The exotic herb from the Far East has a special fresh taste and aroma that is reminiscent of a mixture between cumin and mint. The plant's growth is upright and forms green, tapered leaves that are suitable for raw consumption and are used in soups, pesto and sushi. The oil obtained from the seeds is used in natural medicine, has a water-repellent effect and was previously used for making soap or for paints and ink. 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 eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

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

Optimal mixed culture: 
Unfavorable mixed culture: Mustard, Asian mustard cabbage

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly from April to September or pre-cultivate in small pots from March to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly from May to June or pre-cultivate in small pots from April to June.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible shiso leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Shiso prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with a permeable, nutrient-rich, humus-rich loamy soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
The aromatic substances in the leaves reduce once the flowers form. Pot culture possible. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds.

Plant care
Regularly removing the shoot tips promotes bushy growth. Evenly moist soils are necessary for stable growth. If there is severe drought, additional watering is necessary. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 5-6 years

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