Perilla 'Purple Shiso

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Velvety, ink-purple leaves unfurl with a cool, aromatic snap—Perilla ‘Purple Shiso’ is a garden standout for its richly saturated color and deeply fragrant presence.

The foliage is tender yet substantial, with a softly crinkled, velour-like texture that holds its character through harvests. Grow it for bold flavor-forward leaf use in fresh garnishes and aromatic sauces, and for pickling-style preparations where its signature purple sheen and fragrance shine.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Perilla 'Purple Shiso

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Aug 5th
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)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Perilla ‘Purple Shiso’ brings a cool, perfumed pepper-licorice edge and a plush, velour-like leaf texture that stays graceful chopped or torn. Use it like an aromatic punctuation—too much heat dulls it, so pair with soy-sesame tang or vinegar where it stays bright and fragrant.

Best Uses

torn-leaf garnish for nigiri, sashimi, and grilled fish
blending into perilla/“shiso” sauces and herb pastes
quick pickle-style applications where the purple color stays vibrant
folding into cold noodles and sesame-forward dressings

Flavor Profile

cool, aromatic shiso-tinged fragrance peppery-slightly licorice snap soft, velvety, tender leaf bite tangy, savory aftertaste

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce rice vinegar sesame oil garlic ginger white miso

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Perilla frutescens (Purple Shiso), and how can I control it?

Watch for aphids and whiteflies, which cluster on the soft new growth of Perilla frutescens and can stunt plants. Hose them off early, then spray with insecticidal soap (especially the undersides) every 5–7 days until they’re gone. If you see gray, wet-looking leaf spots, remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to reduce spread.

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

During active growth (roughly weeks 3–8), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for watering about once or twice per week depending on heat, with a deeper soak each time. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry before watering again, since Perilla frutescens dislikes persistently soggy conditions that can encourage leaf spotting.

How do I know when Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting when plants are about 8–12 inches tall and leaves are fully developed—typically around 60 days after sowing. Pick individual leaves as they reach usable size, or harvest in frequent light cuttings by removing the top growth to encourage side branching for more foliage.