Perilla Seeds

Bold, aromatic, and beautifully ornamental, perilla is a standout herb that brings global flavor and vibrant color to the garden. Our Perilla Collection features distinctive varieties, each prized for their unique fragrance, culinary versatility, and striking foliage.

Shiso is beloved in Asian cuisine for its complex flavor, often described as a blend of basil, mint, and citrus with subtle spice. Kaori perilla offers equally aromatic leaves with exceptional garden presence and culinary appeal. Both varieties produce lush foliage that makes them as decorative as they are delicious.

Grow perilla from seeds for fresh eating, pickling, garnishing, or simply admiring in the garden. Perilla is an herb that delights the senses!

• Bold, aromatic herb with vibrant foliage and global culinary appeal
• Shiso and Kaori varieties offer complex flavor and garden beauty
• Ideal for fresh eating, pickling, garnishing, and sauces
• Easy warm-season annual that thrives in sun and attracts pollinators

Perilla, Perilla frutescens, is a warm-season annual herb in the mint family. It grows upright, typically reaching 24 to 36 inches tall, with broad, textured leaves that may be green or deep purplish-red depending on the variety.

This fast-growing plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Like many herbs in the mint family, perilla produces small flowers later in the season that attract pollinators.

Perilla can self-seed readily in favorable conditions, so harvesting leaves regularly and trimming flower spikes (if desired) helps manage growth and encourages tender new foliage. Its bold leaf texture and color also make it an excellent addition to ornamental beds and edible landscapes.

Perilla is a culinary treasure with a flavor profile somewhere between basil and mint. Shiso leaves are traditionally used to wrap sushi, flavor rice dishes, garnish noodles, and brighten salads. They can also be pickled into banchan (side dish), fried as tempura, or blended into sauces. Kaori perilla offers similarly fragrant leaves perfect for fresh use and are as common in Asian cuisine as garlic and green onions.

Beyond flavor, perilla is rich in antioxidants and valued in traditional herbal practices. Its aromatic oils contribute to its distinctive scent and culinary depth. In the garden, perilla adds dramatic foliage contrast and supports pollinators when in bloom. It’s also relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for both beginner gardeners and seasoned herb enthusiasts.

Perilla should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed in spring. As a heat-loving annual, it performs best when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.

Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost date for an early start, or sow directly outdoors once the soil is warm. Press them gently into the soil surface without covering deeply, perilla seeds need light to germinate.

Choose a sunny location, or light afternoon shade in hotter climates, and keep soil evenly moist during establishment. With warmth, moisture, and regular harvesting, perilla will quickly become one of the most vibrant and flavorful plants in your summer garden.