Tia To

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic Tia To perilla unfurls with a velvety, deep purple-green sheen that catches the light like ink on parchment.

Leaves are richly fragrant with a gentle, sweet-spicy character—lush and aromatic to the senses—while the foliage stays tender enough for fresh use and bold enough to perfume sauces and pickles. Grow it for a compact, fast 45-day harvest window and a steady stream of flavorful leaves that elevate every garden bowl with its distinctive color and perfume.

Light: Full 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 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 21st
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Upright
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

Tia To’s perilla leaves bring a fragrant sweet heat that reads almost like toasted spice—bright enough for raw use, but sturdy enough to perfume a brine or a stirred sauce. Use it like a finishing herb with purpose: chop it fine or bruised so the aroma hits, not just the color.

Best Uses

quick-chop fresh leaves into rice bowls and sesame-dressed salads
fold into pickling brines for a purple-tinged aromatic bite
mash into sauces that need fragrance—think brushed over grilled fish or stirred into noodles
wrap or line dumplings/sandwiches for leaf-forward aroma without tough chew

Flavor Profile

sweet-spicy perilla perfume gentle, toasted herbal heat tender velvety leaf with a slightly sticky finish

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce sesame oil rice vinegar garlic ginger miso

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Perilla frutescens (Vietnamese perilla) and how do I control it?

Perilla frutescens is commonly hit by aphids and occasionally powdery mildew in warm, humid spells with poor airflow. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap. To prevent powdery mildew, thin plants for airflow and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.

How often should I water Vietnamese perilla during peak growth?

During the main growing phase, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, because consistently waterlogged conditions can reduce vigor and invite mildew.

How can I tell when to harvest Tia To (Perilla frutescens)?

Harvest leaves when plants reach roughly 30–45 days after sowing, once they form a healthy rosette and have multiple fully expanded leaf pairs. Pick outer leaves first, cutting just above a leaf node to encourage new growth; stop heavy harvesting if the plant begins forming flower stalks, as flavor can shift.