Purple shiso plant (perilla, mint family)

Description

Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a Japanese herb in the mint family; it is known by several other names, including perilla, steak plant, Chinese basil and purple mint. There are three color variations: green, red/purple and bicolor (green and purple).

Shiso Breeding Guide

Legs

Shiso grows rapidly in length to about 100 cm and grows many leaves. At the end of the summer flowering begins. After which the plants slowly drops its leaves before the first frost after which the plant dies off. 

Growing shiso is easy. If you can grow basil, you can grow shiso. Plant the plant in the garden in fairly permeable, moist soil in a sunny or semi-shaded spot. In a pot or indoors also goes fine but keep in mind to leave enough space and give plenty of water. Use standard compost in and, if available, mix in composted bark for extra structure (air) and drainage. 

Harvesting

Harvest leaves and flowers throughout the season. The more toppe you take out, the bushier your plant will remain.

Prepare

Remove and dry all leaves before the first night frost and store them to use in sauces, soups and stews like any other herb. Leaves, dried or fresh, also make an excellent tea. Tea made from purple and bicolor leaves starts out blue before turning dark purple. For a delicious iced tea, pour the tea over ice and add a splash of lemon or yuzu juice to make the tea deliciously refreshing.