Red Shiso

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic and striking from the first pinch—Red Shiso brings an unmistakable, cool-mint fragrance with a gentle, peppery edge and a vivid ruby-red presence in the garden.

Leaves are tender yet substantial, with a crinkled, textured surface that holds its character whether used fresh or added for bold color and flavor in savory preparations. Grow Red Shiso for quick, 60-day satisfaction and a steady harvest of richly colored leaves that elevate salads, garnishes, and pickling-style uses alike.

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	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red shiso is all about that cold-mint perfume plus a light, peppery edge—use it late so the aroma doesn’t fade. The crinkled, tender leaf texture holds up better than delicate herbs, making it perfect for pickling-style applications and finishing bowls of noodles or grilled proteins.

Best Uses

tear-and-toss into cold noodle salads where it stays fragrant
use as a punchy garnish for grilled fish or fatty tofu—adds a clean, minty snap
fold into quick pickling brines for a rosy, aromatic hit
chop fine for shiso-forward wrappers and topping sauces (no-cook mixes)

Flavor Profile

cool-mint fragrance gentle peppery bite tender-but-substantial, crinkled leaf texture bright ruby-red aroma that reads savory

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce rice vinegar sesame oil ginger miso grilled salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly hit Perilla frutescens (red shiso), and how can I stop them early?

Watch for aphids and whiteflies on tender red shiso growth—these often cause leaf curling and sticky honeydew. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock them off, then use insecticidal soap (especially on the undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days as needed. In humid conditions, leaf spot can appear; remove affected leaves promptly and improve airflow by spacing plants well and avoiding overhead watering.

How often should I water red shiso during active growth (about the first 6–8 weeks)?

During the main growing phase, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for watering when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let excess water drain; soggy soil around Perilla frutescens increases the risk of leaf diseases and root stress. In full sun, this often means watering every 2–4 days depending on your soil and weather.

How do I know when red shiso (Perilla frutescens) is ready to harvest?

Harvest leaves when plants reach roughly 6–8 weeks and the foliage is fully developed, typically around 60 days to maturity. Pick outer leaves first, choosing leaves that are firm with fully colored red pigment; avoid harvesting more than about one-third of the plant at a time to keep it producing. You can also harvest the tender tips for a stronger flavor before the plant starts to flower.