Given the fact that they taste different, you should be careful of which variety you buy. Read the seed information carefully and make sure that it mentions shiso, Japanese Perilla, or even better, the plant’s Latin name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa. How to germinate shiso seeds Shiso is a uniquely flavorful herb used in Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other Asian dishes. The leaves have a distinct minty taste, with a hint of cinnamon, clove, cilantro, a touch of basil earthiness, and a mild bitter finish. They also contain a chemical compound called perillartine (or perilla sugar), which is 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose. However, you’re not likely to taste it when eating the leaves. Medicinal uses for shiso Plant form and size: Shiso is a bushy mass that grows 18 to 36 inches (45-91cm) tall and resembles large basil or coleus.

In Japan, where shiso is far more popular, the Korean version is called ‘egoma’, which translates to ‘sesame perilla.’ Meanwhile, Koreans refer to it as “deulkkae,” which means “wild sesame,” and use “ggaetnip” or “soyeop” to refer to Japanese shiso. What are the differences between Japanese and Korean Perilla? Shiso seeds are very tough and can take a while to get going. To germinate them, we recommend soaking them in water for 24 hours before sowing. Spread them out between two kitchen roll layers and mist the paper regularly with a water spray pump. Keep them in a warm place overnight.Shiso is a prized herb, especially in Japan, where it has numerous uses in cooking. The Japanese love their shiso so much that Pepsi released a green-coloured, shiso flavored, limited edition of its fizzy drink, called Pepsi Shiso. How to cook with shiso The most common name comes from Japanese: shiso (written as either 紫蘇 or シソ). You will also find it under English versions such as perilla mint, Chinese basil, Japanese Perilla, or beefsteak plant — sometimes mistakenly called ‘breakfast plant.’ Container growing: Shiso is a good choice for container growing. Choose a container at least 6 inches deep and wide. Shiso is an annual plant in temperate climates, though it’s possible to grow it indoors throughout the year. Shiso is also popular among Vietnamese herbs, under the name of tia to. The main difference from Japanese shiso is that the variety used in Vietnam is bicolor, with green leaves on the top and red on the bottom and stems. The uses are much the same, and you can pair it with Vietnamese soups, stir-fries, and fish or seafood dishes.

All species of Perilla are unpretentious, resilient, and self-sowing. This is excellent news if you’re a gardener, but not so much for the environment. Shiso not only looks great but offers a unique flavor that can bring life to a wide array of dishes. It’s reasonably easy to grow indoors and out, making it a great addition to your garden. Most home gardeners can’t tell whether the seeds are dormant or not, which is why buying them from a trusted source is a must. If you’re not sure if your seeds are dormant or not, you can store them in your refrigerator at temperatures between 35°F to 45°F (2°C to 7°C) for 1 to 3 months before sowing. – Preparation tips Botanical name and family: Perilla frutescens var. cripa (called shiso in Japan) is a member of the Lamiaceae—mint family.Refrigeration: Wrap leaves in a damp paper towel and place in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper; leaves will store for 2 or 3 days. Yes, Shiso leaves can be dried for later use. To do so, wash and pat dry the leaves, then hang them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once they are fully dry and brittle, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Alternatively, you can dry the leaves in a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature. Does Shiso repel bugs? Soil preparation: Plant shiso in compost-rich, well-drained soil. Shiso prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Shiso will grow in average soil. Green shiso: the leaves have the same shape as red shiso, but are a vivid green color; flowers are small and white; Transplanting to the garden: Transplant seedlings out to the garden after all danger of frost is past.

Shiso produces smaller leaves than the Korean variety, and it has a more pronounced minty flavor. Korean Perilla has larger, rounded leaves, whereas shiso typically has serrated edges on its leaves. What is the difference between red Perilla and purple basil? Best location: Plant shiso in full sun or light shade; in hot summer regions grow shiso in dappled sunlight.

Known commonly by its original Japanese name shiso. Welldales super green perilla shiso is a very popular addition to Asian cuisine. Popular with Japanese chefs, this versatile plant is used as both an ingredient and a garnish. This variety is slightly stronger in taste, in comparison to red perilla shiso. With a cinnamon like taste, this is very a popular addition to soups, stews, salads and Japanese dishes. Add fresh leaves to sashimi or sushi platters, for an extra splash of flavour. Growing Perilla Shiso in the UK Seed starting indoors: Sow seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Seeds will germinate in 7 to 21 days at 70°F (21°C). To improve germination, soak seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. Grow shiso indoors in bright but indirect light. Keep seedlings away from blowing warm air. Avoid soil too damp; seedlings can be killed by damping off fungal disease. Watering: Keep the soil just moist; established plants will grow in slightly dry soil but will thrive in soil that stays just moist.

The hardest part about growing shiso is germinating the seeds. Once you get past that first step, everything else is plain sailing.Both red and green shiso have ruffled varieties, where the leaves are slightly crumpled or ruffled. The red shiso cultivars are the most eye-catching and can also be planted as an ornamental shrub, similar to coleus. On the other hand, dried leaves can make tea, while the seeds can be sprinkled on salads or turned into oil. Can you eat raw shiso leaves? Feed your shiso plants with a liquid, organic fertilizer once a month. A fish fertilizer solution works best. Water your plants regularly, but don’t worry too much about missing a day or two. Shiso can be quite tolerant to drought. – Caring for your shiso plant Bicolor shiso: the best of both worlds, this variety of shiso has leaves that are bright green on the top, and a deep purple on the bottom.