Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a stunning, versatile herb known for its vibrant green and purple foliage. Often used in Asian cuisine, especially in Japanese and Korean dishes, this herb adds not only flavor but also visual appeal to your garden. The leaves have a bold, aromatic taste that is a combination of mint, basil, and anise, making it perfect for culinary applications. Beyond the kitchen, Purple Shiso is prized for its ornamental value in the garden, with its rich color and unique texture making it a striking addition to flower beds, herb gardens, or containers. This hardy annual is easy to grow and is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to add a burst of color and flavor to their garden.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Foliage: Purple Shiso features rich green and purple leaves that add a unique touch of color and texture to your garden or landscape.
• Culinary Use: The aromatic, spicy flavor of the leaves is commonly used in Asian dishes, such as sushi, salads, and pickles, and can also be used to infuse oils or vinegar.
• Ornamental Appeal: In addition to its culinary benefits, Purple Shiso makes an eye-catching ornamental herb, especially in mixed plantings or container gardens.
• Easy to Grow: This herb is simple to grow in both garden beds and containers, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Resilient Plant: Purple Shiso is tolerant of various soil types and grows well in both sunny and partially shaded locations, making it versatile for different garden conditions.

Growing Information:

• Light: Purple Shiso thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it adaptable for various garden spots. For the best results, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. If planting in containers, use a quality potting mix.
• Planting Tips:
  • Directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them once the danger of frost has passed.
  • Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in, as they need light to germinate. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their full growth.
  • Purple Shiso tends to grow tall and bushy, so provide plenty of space for the plant to spread and develop.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over-watering. Purple Shiso prefers moderate moisture levels, so water when the soil feels dry to the touch. It does not like sitting in soggy soil.
• Maintenance: Once established, Purple Shiso requires little care beyond occasional watering and thinning. Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.

Benefits:

• Culinary Versatility: The aromatic, spicy flavor of Purple Shiso makes it perfect for a variety of dishes. Use it fresh in salads, sushi, and wraps, or preserve it by making shiso vinegar, pickles, or infusions.
• Ornamental Beauty: Beyond its culinary use, the striking green and purple leaves add color and texture to your garden, making it an excellent addition to herb gardens, mixed borders, or containers.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Purple Shiso attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support local biodiversity in your garden.
• Medicinal Properties: Shiso is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to promote digestion and relieve nausea.
• Low-Maintenance: This herb is easy to grow and requires minimal care once established, making it perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet beautiful and useful plant.

Growing Zones:

• Purple Shiso is best suited for USDA Zones 5-9. It thrives in warmer climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler areas by starting seeds indoors and transplanting them outside once temperatures warm up.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Plant Purple Shiso as part of your herb garden to enjoy both its flavor and ornamental beauty. It pairs well with other herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro.
• Containers and Patio Gardens: Due to its compact size and vibrant color, Purple Shiso is perfect for container gardens, providing both color and flavor in smaller spaces like patios or balconies.
• Flower Beds and Borders: The striking foliage adds texture and color to mixed flower beds, acting as a contrast plant between blooming flowers or alongside other green-leaved plants.
• Pollinator Gardens: Its flowers, which attract pollinators, make it an excellent addition to any garden designed to support local wildlife.

Conclusion: Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is an attractive and versatile herb that will enhance your garden in both culinary and ornamental ways. With 300 seeds in this packet, you can easily cultivate a patch of vibrant green and purple foliage that is perfect for adding flavor to Asian dishes or simply brightening up your garden space. Whether you’re growing it in the kitchen garden, flower bed, or container, Purple Shiso is a rewarding herb to grow, offering beautiful color, rich flavor, and easy maintenance. Add Purple Shiso to your garden today and enjoy its striking beauty and versatile uses.