Green

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant and vividly alive, Green Shiso unfurls into broad, quilted leaves with a cool, herbal snap and a bright, green aroma that lingers on the fingertips.

Expect tender, velvety texture and a clean, savory bite that shines in fresh garnishes and lively flavoring—ideal for folding into sauces, blending into dressings, and adding distinctive character to pickled specialties. A fast, rewarding 60-day crop for gardeners who love bold, aromatic greens that look as exceptional as they taste.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 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	May 2nd
Harvest Begins	Jul 1st
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Green shiso brings a cool, aromatic hit with a crisp herbal bite—its flavor reads best when you treat it like a living garnish or quick-mixed into cold/bright preparations. Pickles and vinegar work like a stage light for its green perfume, while heat should be brief so the leaf doesn’t collapse into bitterness.

Best Uses

tear-and-fold fresh shiso into rice bowls and sashimi-style toppings
blend into green dressings and herb sauces for a fragrant, slightly savory lift
fold into tempura batter or as a quick garnish after frying
use leaves to perfume pickles and vinegar-based specialties

Flavor Profile

cool, minty-herbal snap bright green aroma clean savory bite tender, velvety leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce rice vinegar sesame oil ginger cucumber mackerel

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Perilla frutescens (green perilla), and what should I do?

Perilla frutescens is commonly troubled by aphids, especially during warm weather when new shoots are tender. Spray plants with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until colonies stop. Keep leaves dry by watering at the base and spacing plants for airflow to reduce foliar issues.

How often should I water Perilla frutescens during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture does it need?

During active growth, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, aiming for consistently moist—not soggy—soil. Expect to water about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and soil drainage, and slow down if rain keeps the root zone wet. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, but avoid overwatering because Perilla in overly wet soil can decline.

How can I tell when Perilla frutescens is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 45–60 days from sowing and have formed abundant full-sized leaves with strong aroma, typically just before flowering. Pick in the morning and take outer leaves first to encourage new growth; regular harvesting can keep plants productive longer. If you see flower buds forming, start harvesting more frequently, since leaf quality declines after heavy flowering begins.