Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens), also called Perilla Leaf and Japanese Basil, is an herb in the mint family with large, deep purple, wrinkled, serrated leaves. Much stronger and spicier than Green Shiso, the crunchy leaves are used mainly in salads, for pickling, and as a natural food coloring. Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, it has a fresh minty-basil flavor with notes of clove and cumin, and a bitter, astringent finish. Pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables, especially cucumbers. Also a medicinal herb with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Its rhizome root can become invasive, so best grown in a container.

The herbs grown from these Shiso Red Perilla Leaf Japanese Basil Seeds have a pungent, minty-basil flavor with distinctive notes of clove and cumin, finished with a bitter, astringent aftertaste. The mature plants typically reach full growth in 80-85 days. The leaves are ideal for use in salads, pickling, and as natural food coloring. Additionally, the herb has medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic benefits. Due to its rhizome root, which can become invasive, it is recommended to grow Shiso in containers or limited space environments.

• Produces deep purple, serrated, wrinkled leaves with a spicy flavor
• Requires full sun for optimal growth
• Germinates in 7-21 days under ideal conditions
• Matures in approximately 80-85 days from planting

This herb is suitable for gardeners interested in culinary uses, natural food coloring, or medicinal herbs. It is ideal for home gardens, containers, or herb beds. Shiso Red Perilla Leaf Japanese Basil Seeds are particularly useful for those wanting to grow a spicy, aromatic herb that pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables such as cucumbers. The seeds are easy to germinate in full sun, making them accessible for both amateur and experienced gardeners.

The seed packet includes high-quality Shiso Red Perilla Leaf Japanese Basil Seeds; soil, potting mix, or growing containers are not included. Regular watering and well-draining soil ensure healthy growth. It is advisable to start seeds indoors in cooler climates or directly sow outdoors in suitable conditions after the last frost. The plant does not have a specific warranty but benefits from routine watering, sunlight, and proper spacing.

• Mint-basil-clove-cumin flavor
• Full sun
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Days to maturity: 80-85 days

Good companion plants: Arugula, Basil, Bok Choy, Parsley, Tomato