Green Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a unique and versatile herb that combines ornamental beauty with culinary and medicinal uses. Known for its striking green and purple foliage, this herb is a member of the mint family and is native to Asia. Green Shiso has a distinct aroma and flavor, often described as a mix of basil, mint, and cilantro, making it a favorite in various culinary dishes, especially in Japanese and Korean cuisine. This pack contains 300 high-quality seeds, giving you plenty of opportunities to grow this vibrant herb in your garden or containers.

Key Features:

• Distinctive Green & Purple Foliage: Shiso features beautiful, richly colored leaves with both green and purple hues, adding visual interest and texture to any garden.
• Culinary & Medicinal Uses: The leaves have a unique flavor, perfect for seasoning dishes like sushi, salads, and soups, as well as offering potential medicinal benefits.
• Fast-Growing & Hardy: Green Shiso is quick to grow and can thrive in various garden conditions, making it an easy-to-grow addition to herb gardens.
• Attractive to Pollinators: Shiso plants attract bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Shiso is low-maintenance and resilient, requiring little care to flourish.

Growing Information:

• Light: Green Shiso thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
• Soil: Shiso grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It is tolerant of various soil types but requires good drainage to avoid root rot.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.
  • Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate.
  • Germination typically takes 7-14 days at a temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C).
• Watering: Shiso needs regular watering, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant.

Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: The leaves of Green Shiso are commonly used in Asian cooking, particularly in Japanese and Korean dishes, adding a distinct, aromatic flavor to sushi, salads, and stir-fries. It can also be used to make herbal teas.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The contrasting green and purple foliage makes Shiso an attractive ornamental plant in garden beds, borders, or containers.
• Health Benefits: Shiso is believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a useful herb for traditional herbal remedies.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Shiso plants attract bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy, biodiverse garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Green Shiso is easy to grow, requiring minimal care to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest of flavorful leaves.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 2-11, making it ideal for most temperate and subtropical climates. It is frost-sensitive, so plant after the last frost date in your area.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Green Shiso is a great addition to herb gardens, combining ornamental beauty with culinary utility. Pair it with other herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro for a diverse and fragrant herb garden.
• Flower Beds & Borders: The striking foliage adds texture and color to flower beds and garden borders, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden.
• Containers & Pots: Ideal for container gardens, Green Shiso grows well in pots on patios, balconies, or windowsills, where its vibrant leaves can be easily accessed for culinary use.
• Companion Planting: Plant Shiso near other herbs or vegetables to attract pollinators and help deter pests naturally.

Conclusion: Green Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a versatile herb that offers both beauty and functionality. With its vibrant green and purple leaves, it serves as an ornamental plant that adds color to any garden, while also providing flavorful and aromatic leaves for culinary use. Whether you’re growing it for its medicinal properties, as a decorative addition, or for its delicious leaves, this herb is easy to grow, hardy, and low-maintenance. With 300 seeds, you can create your own abundant Shiso patch, perfect for adding flavor and flair to your garden and kitchen.