Korean Perilla

Perilla

🌱 50d to harvest Upright

Unfurling with a peppery, nutty fragrance and a cool, herbal snap, Korean Perilla forms lush, velvety leaves that feel almost vel…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 23rd
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 21st
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

Recommended Companions

Duganski Garlic

Kettle River Giant Garlic

Durango Red Marigold

German Extra Hardy Garlic

Persian Star Garlic

Kokusai Chives

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Perilla frutescens, and how can I fix it at home?

Perilla frutescens is commonly affected by powdery mildew (white, dusty patches on leaves), especially in humid conditions with poor airflow. Water at the base and avoid wetting the foliage, then thin plants so air can move through. If mildew appears, remove the worst leaves and spray a potassium bicarbonate or horticultural sulfur product according to the label to protect new growth.

How often should I water Korean perilla (Perilla frutescens) during its main growing phase?

During active growth, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In part-sun beds, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing to more frequent watering during hot spells. If leaves start drooping and the soil stays wet, reduce watering and improve drainage to prevent root stress.

How do I know when Perilla frutescens is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 50 days from sowing when plants are vigorous with fully expanded leaves, ideally before flowering for the best leaf tenderness and aroma. Pick outer leaves first, leaving the growing tips so the plant can keep producing. If flower buds begin forming, harvest becomes more urgent because flavor and leaf quality decline as the plant shifts to reproduction.

Unfurling with a peppery, nutty fragrance and a cool, herbal snap, Korean Perilla forms lush, velvety leaves that feel almost velvet-soft to the touch. The flavor is bold and aromatic—deeply perillalike with a distinctive, slightly minty edge—making it a standout for fresh garnishing and fragrant infusions, as well as for flavoring sauces and pickles. Grow it for a quick 50-day harvest window and enjoy a steady supply of richly colored foliage that perfumes the garden as it matures.