Green Shiso Perilla Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO Culinary Herb

Green Shiso Perilla Seeds

Grow one of Asia's most distinctive culinary herbs with Green Shiso, Perilla frutescens var. crispa. This heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated annual produces glossy green leaves with a bright citrusy and minty flavor complemented by aromatic notes of clove and anise.

Green Shiso is an excellent fit for edible gardens, raised beds, containers, and greenhouse growing. The upright, bushy plants thrive during warm weather and provide repeated leaf harvests when picked regularly.

Product Highlights

• Green Shiso / Green Perilla culinary herb.
• Heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety.
• Glossy green aromatic foliage.
• Citrusy and minty flavor with hints of clove and anise.
• Approximately 60–70 days to maturity.
• Suitable for gardens, raised beds, containers, and greenhouse growing.

Plant Profile

• Common Name: Green Shiso / Green Perilla
• Botanical Name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa
• Other Name: Perilla Mint
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Growth Habit: Upright and bushy
• Mature Height: Up to about 36 inches under suitable conditions
• Plant Width: About 10–12 inches
• Leaf Color: Glossy green
• Flower Color: White to pink
• Flavor: Citrusy, minty, fragrant, with hints of clove and anise
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 60–70 days

Growing Overview

Start Green Shiso indoors about 6–8 weeks before the expected last frost or direct sow outdoors once frost danger has passed. Shiso seeds benefit from some light during germination, so press them lightly onto the soil surface or cover no deeper than about 1/4 inch.

Keep the growing medium evenly moist with good drainage. Under favorable conditions, seeds commonly germinate in about 7–14 days at approximately 65–75°F.

Transplant outdoors when frost danger has passed and nighttime temperatures remain reliably above about 50°F. Space plants about 10–12 inches apart and provide full sun to partial shade.

Care & Harvest

Green Shiso prefers rich soil that stays consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. Once established, pinch the growing tips to encourage branching and a fuller plant.

Begin harvesting once plants are well established, generally around 60–70 days from sowing. Pick outer leaves first or cut a stem just above a leaf node to encourage additional branches.

The leaves are most flavorful before heavy flowering. Removing flower spikes also helps extend vegetative leaf production.

In the Kitchen

Green Shiso has a distinctive flavor that combines citrusy and minty notes with hints of clove and anise. The aromatic leaves are used in noodle and rice dishes, stir-fries, wraps, pickled and fermented foods, fresh garnishes, and many other Asian preparations.

What to Expect

Green Shiso is an annual but can reseed readily when mature flower spikes are allowed to remain on the plant. Gardeners who do not want volunteer seedlings should remove flower spikes before the seeds mature.

Final plant size and maturity timing vary with temperature, sunlight, fertility, moisture, spacing, and local growing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Green Shiso grow?

Current variety guidance lists approximately 36 inches under suitable conditions. Actual height varies with climate, fertility, spacing, and harvest frequency.

Does Shiso need light to germinate?

Yes. Press seeds lightly onto the surface or cover them very lightly, no deeper than about 1/4 inch. Avoid burying them deeply.

Can Green Shiso grow in a container?

Yes. Choose a container with good drainage, use a rich potting mix, and maintain regular moisture. Place it in full sun to partial shade.

How long does Green Shiso take to mature?

Expect approximately 60–70 days from sowing under suitable conditions, although light leaf harvests may begin once vigorous plants are established.

Will Green Shiso reseed?

It can self-seed readily. If you do not want volunteer plants the following season, remove flower spikes before seeds mature.