Britton

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic and richly fragrant from the first pinch, Britton perilla unfolds with deep, velvety leaves that feel almost velour-soft to the touch.

Expect a bold, distinctive flavor with anise-cool lift and a savory herbal depth that shines in fresh garnishes and vibrant herb-forward sauces, as well as pickling-style preparations. Grow it for a lush, upright habit that delivers steady leaf harvests in as little as 45 days, turning beds and containers into fragrant living foliage.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Britton perilla is all about the aromatic leaf oils—cooling anise notes that stay vivid even when you rough-chop or briefly wilt. It’s the kind of herb that earns its seat at the finish: add it late, and let it perfume the bowl instead of disappearing into the pan.

Best Uses

tear-and-sprinkle fresh over hot rice or noodles at the last second
blitz into herb-forward sauces and dressings for a fragrant, cooling perfume
pickle-style perilla leaves or stir them into quick condiments for bold crunch
use as a fragrant finishing herb for dumplings and grilled meats

Flavor Profile

anise-cool lift savory herbal depth velvety, aromatic leaf oils bright, clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce sesame oil rice vinegar garlic ginger green onions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage damping-off or root rot in Britton plants if seedlings start wilting at the soil line?

Britton seedlings are prone to damping-off when the potting mix stays constantly wet and cool. Water only when the top 1/2 inch of mix feels dry, then water thoroughly and let excess drain; avoid misting the stem area. If you see seedlings collapsing, remove affected plants, improve airflow, and consider a fresh sterile seed-starting mix for any re-sowing.

During Britton’s main growing phase, how often should I water and how moist should the soil stay?

Once Britton is established, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy: aim for the top inch to dry slightly between waterings. In warm weather this typically means watering about every 2–4 days, but check moisture by feel rather than the calendar. Use deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, and stop if water begins to pool or the soil stays wet below the surface.

What signs tell me Britton is ready to harvest at about 45 days?

Harvest Britton when plants reach their expected 45-day maturity and the edible part is fully developed—use the variety’s target size and color as your guide. For most Britton types, look for firmness and consistent color across the crop, with minimal softness or greening where it shouldn’t be. If you’re unsure, harvest one test plant early-morning and confirm the interior is fully formed before pulling the rest.