Photo: "Perilla frutescens in Gimpo, Korea" by Dalgial · CC BY-SA 3.0

Shiso · Asian-herb

Green shiso leaves

Annual · Lamiaceae

Green shiso is the standard culinary perilla used fresh in Japanese, Korean, and broader East Asian cooking. The leaves are aromatic, with a bright basil-mint-cinnamon edge, and the plant often self-seeds once established. It works well for gardeners who want a distinctive herb that handles summer heat better than cilantro.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun to light afternoon shade

Spacing

8–18 "

Seed Start

4–6 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

1–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–21 days

Optimal Temp 70°F

Seed Depth 0.13"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 60°F

Harden Off 5 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.25 "

Needs Moderate

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 5.5–7

Soil Type Well-drained garden soil rich in organic matter.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

aphids

Cause: Tender growth attracts sap feeders.

Prevention: Rinse colonies off early and keep plants growing steadily.

root-rot

Cause: Poor drainage and overwatering weaken roots.

Prevention: Use open soil and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Harvest when leaves are full sized, tender, and strongly aromatic but before they turn coarse or fibrous.

Expected Yield 0.5–2 lbs/plant

Storage 5 days — Refrigerate loosely wrapped or stems in a glass of water.

Sources

seed_catalog Sow Right Seeds seed_catalog West Coast Seeds university Extension source

Green shiso leaves Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Green shiso leaves vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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