Shiso / Korean perilla

Plant family

Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Also known as

Deulkkae

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

20 cm

Row spacing

20 cm

Seeding depth

0 cm

Instructions

Description

Shiso - (also perilla, egoma, sesame leaf, wild sesame, black nettle, sesame leaf, Japanese basil, kkaennip or in English beefsteak plant, Chinese basil or purple mint) - is an annual medicinal and culinary plant from the Lamiaceae family. There are different forms of the plant with leaves in red, green or multicolored. Most often it is used with sushi. The taste is reminiscent of sesame, cinnamon, mint and anise.

Growing tips

Shiso seeds are light germinators, so should be lightly pressed into the soil. If they are grown indoors, you need cold stratification in the refrigerator to simulate the winter period. Germination after 2-4 weeks at 20-22°C. Sow outdoors either in late fall or in spring before the last frosts. Choose nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and keep it sufficiently moist, but avoid waterlogging. The plant thrives in sun and partial shade. Do not sow near ponds.