Perilla 'Ao Shiso

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic leaves unfurl with a cool, vivid fragrance—deeply shiso-like, with a faintly peppery lift and a whisper of anise that lingers on the fingertips.

Perilla ‘Ao Shiso’ forms lush, upright clumps of tender foliage with a velvety, slightly crinkled texture and a striking blue-green cast that looks as good as it smells. Grow it for fresh leaf use and for bold, aromatic flavor in sauces, marinades, and pickling-style preparations where its distinctive character truly shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Perilla 'Ao Shiso

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 9th
Harvest Begins	Jul 8th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

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

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

‘Ao Shiso’ perilla delivers a sharper, more shiso-forward perfume than many common leafy aromatics—cool first, then peppery, then that delicate anise flick at the end. Treat it like fragrance: tear it by hand and add late so the leaf stays supple and the aroma doesn’t get lost or turn blunt under heat.

Best Uses

torn-leaf finishing on cold noodles and rice bowls
blending into aromatics for marinades and quick pan sauces
pickling-style preparations where its fragrance can stay bright
folding into spicy soy dips and sesame dressings

Flavor Profile

cool, shiso-like aroma faintly peppery bite whisper of anise that hangs at the back of the throat velvety, slightly crinkled leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce sesame (oil or paste) rice vinegar ginger garlic miso

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Perilla frutescens (Ao Shiso), and how can I manage it at home?

Perilla frutescens often gets leaf-eating caterpillars and can develop powdery mildew in humid, still air. Check undersides weekly and hand-pick caterpillars or use an insecticidal soap when young larvae are present, aiming for the foliage. Improve airflow with proper spacing and avoid wetting leaves; if mildew appears, remove badly affected leaves and treat early with a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product for edible foliage.

How often should I water Perilla frutescens during its main growing phase?

During the ~60-day grow-out, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically watering about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and container size. Water at the base so the leaves stay dry, and reduce frequency if the soil remains wet or you see yellowing from overly saturated roots. A quick test: if the soil is dry at finger depth, water thoroughly until excess drains.

How can I tell when Perilla frutescens (Ao Shiso) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting once plants are well-leafed, usually around 45–60 days, and after side shoots form for fuller harvests. Pick the outer leaves first; harvest when leaves are fully expanded and still tender (avoid very tough, older leaves). For best flavor, harvest in the morning and continue picking regularly to encourage new leaf growth.