Overview

Introduce the distinctive flavor and vibrant color of shiso perilla live plant to your garden with this convenient 3-pack. Known scientifically as Perilla frutescens, Shiso, also commonly referred to as Beefsteak Plant, is a versatile herb cherished in various cuisines, particularly Asian dishes. This bundle offers a delightful combination of both green and purple beefsteak varieties, providing a beautiful contrast and diverse culinary options. These healthy starter plants, measuring between 6 to 12 inches, are ready to be transplanted into your garden or larger pots, promising a rewarding growing experience for both novice and experienced gardeners. The unique, slightly minty, basil-like flavor of shiso leaves makes them an excellent addition to salads, sushi, stir-fries, and as a garnish.

The shiso perilla live plant is not just a culinary delight but also an attractive ornamental plant. Its striking foliage, with deep purple undersides on the beefsteak purple variety and bright green on the other, adds visual interest to any outdoor space. These plants are grown with care, ensuring they are robust and prepared to flourish in your home garden. Whether you’re looking to expand your herb collection or add an exotic touch to your landscape, these shiso perilla starters are an excellent choice. Discover the joy of harvesting fresh, flavorful leaves right from your backyard and elevate your culinary creations.

Key Benefits

Growing your own shiso perilla live plant offers numerous advantages, from enhancing your cooking to beautifying your garden. These plants are a must-have for anyone who appreciates fresh herbs and vibrant foliage.

• Culinary Versatility: Shiso leaves are a staple in many dishes, offering a unique flavor profile that can range from slightly minty to subtly spicy. Use them fresh in salads, wraps, or as a garnish for sushi and sashimi. The leaves can also be pickled or used in stir-fries, adding an authentic touch to your meals.
• Ornamental Appeal: With their distinct green and deep purple foliage, these beefsteak perilla plants add beautiful texture and color to garden beds, container gardens, or even as an edible border. The visual contrast between the two varieties is particularly striking.
• Aromatic Qualities: The leaves of the shiso perilla live plant release a pleasant, refreshing aroma when brushed against or harvested, contributing to a delightful sensory experience in your garden.
• Easy to Grow: Shiso is known for being relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. It thrives in various conditions, provided it receives adequate sunlight and water.
• Freshness at Your Fingertips: Enjoy the unparalleled freshness of homegrown herbs. Having buy shiso plants means you’ll always have access to premium-quality leaves, free from pesticides and picked at their peak flavor.
• Health Benefits: Shiso is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
• Attracts Pollinators: When allowed to flower, shiso plants can attract beneficial pollinators to your garden, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your shiso perilla live plant is straightforward, ensuring a bountiful harvest and beautiful foliage throughout the growing season. Shiso thrives in conditions that mimic its native environment, preferring warmth and consistent moisture. For best results, plant your shiso perilla starters in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) will encourage more compact growth and intense leaf coloration, especially for the perilla beefsteak purple variety. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can prevent scorching of the leaves.

When it comes to watering, shiso prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes being waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure your planting site or pots have excellent drainage to prevent root rot. A rich, well-draining potting mix is ideal for container growing, while garden beds should be amended with compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Shiso is a moderately heavy feeder, so incorporate a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting or feed with a liquid organic fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Regular harvesting of leaves will also encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from going to seed too early. Pinch off any flower stalks that appear to prolong leaf production.

Growing shiso perilla is generally hassle-free, but keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids or spider mites. These can usually be managed with organic insecticidal soaps or by spraying them off with a strong stream of water. Shiso is typically an annual in most climates, but it readily self-seeds, often returning year after year. Protect your plants from frost, as they are not cold-hardy. For those looking to buy shiso plants, understanding these basic care requirements will ensure a thriving and productive herb garden.

Size & Details

This offering includes 3 individual shiso perilla live plant starters, each carefully cultivated and shipped in a pot. Upon arrival, these plants will stand approximately 6 to 12 inches tall, providing a robust foundation for your garden. The beefsteak varieties are known for their broad, textured leaves, with the perilla beefsteak green showcasing vibrant green foliage and the perilla beefsteak purple displaying a stunning deep purple, often with green undersides. These starter plants are designed to establish quickly, and with proper care, they will rapidly grow into mature, productive herb plants. Expect vigorous growth in warm weather, with the potential for plants to reach up to 2-3 feet in height and spread if left unpruned.

The plants are shipped in their nursery pots to minimize transplant shock and ensure they arrive in prime condition, ready for planting. Shiso plants are fast growers, and you can typically begin harvesting leaves within a few weeks of transplanting. While primarily grown as an annual in many regions, shiso is known for its ability to self-seed, potentially providing new plants for subsequent seasons. The included plants are well-rooted and healthy, ready to provide you with a continuous supply of fresh, aromatic leaves for your culinary adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: With optimal growing conditions and consistent harvesting, your shiso perilla live plant can typically reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and a similar spread. Regular pinching and harvesting can help manage its size and encourage bushier growth.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: Each of the 3 shiso perilla plants is shipped in a starter pot, typically a 2-4 inch nursery pot, ensuring the roots are well-established and protected during transit. They are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into your garden.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: Shiso perilla is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in garden beds or outdoor containers where it can receive ample sunlight. While it can be grown indoors in a very sunny window, it generally performs best and produces more leaves outdoors.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For vigorous growth and best flavor, your shiso perilla live plant requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). In regions with intense afternoon sun, partial shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorching.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, shiso perilla is considered an easy-to-grow herb, making it suitable for beginners. Its main requirements are consistent moisture, good drainage, and sufficient sunlight. Occasional feeding will also promote healthier growth.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your shiso perilla live plant will arrive carefully packaged, healthy, and well-rooted. We take great care to ensure the plants are protected during shipping, minimizing stress and preparing them for successful transplanting.
• Q: Can I use shiso perilla in cooking? A: Absolutely! Shiso, especially the beefsteak varieties like the perilla beefsteak green and perilla beefsteak purple, is highly valued for its culinary uses. It’s fantastic in Asian dishes, as a wrap, in salads, or pickled.
• Q: When is the best time to plant? A: The best time to plant your shiso perilla starters outdoors is after all danger of frost has passed in spring, when soil temperatures have warmed up. This typically aligns with late spring to early summer.
• Q: Is it good for beginners? A: Yes, growing shiso perilla is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners due to its relatively low maintenance needs and robust growth habit.
• Q: What’s the minimum temperature it can tolerate? A: Shiso perilla is not frost-tolerant and will begin to decline with temperatures consistently below 45°F (7°C). It thrives in warm weather, typically between 65-85°F (18-29°C).