Overview

Discover the joy of growing your own aromatic herbs with our premium collection of purple shiso seeds. Also known as Japanese Perilla or Vietnamese Perilla, these highly sought-after seeds allow you to cultivate a versatile and beautiful plant right in your garden or on your patio. Each packet contains approximately 1400 seeds, providing an abundant supply for multiple plantings or sharing with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Shiso, scientifically known as Perilla frutescens, is a member of the mint family and is renowned for its distinctive flavor profile, which combines notes of mint, basil, cumin, and anise. The vibrant purple leaves not only offer a unique taste but also add a striking visual appeal to your garden and dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, growing purple shiso seeds is a rewarding experience that brings fresh, organic flavor to your table.

Key Benefits

Growing purple shiso seeds offers a multitude of benefits, from culinary delight to garden aesthetics. These seeds provide an opportunity to cultivate a unique herb that enhances various dishes and brings a touch of exotic flavor to your home garden.

• Culinary Versatility: The leaves from purple shiso seeds are highly prized in Asian cuisine. They can be used fresh in salads, as garnishes, wrapped around sushi or grilled meats, or pickled. Their unique flavor adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The deep purple hue of the shiso leaves makes it a beautiful addition to any garden, container, or herb bed. It provides a striking contrast to green foliage and can be used as an ornamental edible.
• Freshness and Flavor: By growing your own shiso, you ensure access to the freshest possible leaves, which retain their full aroma and potent flavor, far superior to store-bought options that may have lost potency during transport.
• High Yield: With approximately 1400 seeds per packet, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, ensuring a steady supply of this prized herb for all your culinary needs.
• Health Benefits: Shiso is known to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Incorporating fresh shiso into your meals can offer various nutritional advantages.
• Easy to Grow: While shiso plant care requires a bit of attention during germination, once established, these plants are relatively low-maintenance and thrive in suitable conditions, making them accessible even for novice gardeners.
• Unique Herb: For those looking to expand their herb garden beyond common varieties, japanese perilla seeds offer a distinct and flavorful option that stands out.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Cultivating purple shiso seeds successfully requires attention to a few key stages, particularly during germination. Shiso seeds have a hard outer coat, which can make them slow to sprout. To speed up germination, it’s recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for 4–6 hours before planting. This helps soften the seed coat. When choosing a growing medium, opt for a well-draining seed starting mix rather than heavy garden soil. The ideal pH for shiso is slightly acidic, between 5.5–6.5.

Sow your vietnamese perilla seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them lightly; do not cover them deeply, as shiso seeds need light to germinate. Mist the soil gently to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Maintain a consistent temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F) for optimal germination, which typically takes 7–21 days, though older seeds might take up to 30 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period. Once seedlings develop 3–4 true leaves, begin the hardening-off process by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spacing them 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart. For ongoing shiso plant care, ensure they receive full sun to partial shade and moderate watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Pinch off the top growth when plants reach 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) tall to encourage bushier development. Leaves can be harvested when plants are 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) tall, and regular picking promotes more leaf growth, ensuring you have a continuous supply of fresh leaves. The best flavor comes from young, tender leaves.

Size & Details

This product includes one packet containing approximately 1400 high-quality purple shiso seeds, equivalent to about 2.5 grams. These seeds are suitable for growing plants that typically reach a mature height of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) when leaves are ready for harvest, though plants can grow taller if left unharvested. Shiso plants have a moderate growth rate and will provide a steady supply of leaves throughout the growing season. They are best started indoors and then transplanted outdoors after the last frost, offering a continuous yield of distinctive foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How many purple shiso seeds are included in this packet? A: This packet contains approximately 1400 purple shiso seeds, which is about 2.5 grams. This quantity is ample for multiple plantings or a large yield.
• Q: Is shiso an indoor or outdoor plant? A: Shiso can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It’s typically started indoors and then transplanted outside after the last frost for best results, but can also thrive in containers indoors with adequate light.
• Q: How much sunlight do purple shiso seeds need to germinate? A: Purple shiso seeds require light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown and not covered deeply with soil. Once established, the plants prefer full sun to partial shade.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: While grow shiso from seed can be slow to germinate due to their hard seed coat, once established, shiso plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring consistent moisture and good light.
• Q: What is the ideal soil type for growing shiso? A: Shiso prefers a well-draining seed starting mix with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5–6.5. Avoid heavy garden soil for seed starting.
• Q: When is the best time to plant shiso seeds? A: It’s best to sow shiso seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• Q: Can I use these for both Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine? A: Yes, these japanese perilla seeds are versatile and commonly used in both Japanese and Vietnamese cooking, as well as other Asian cuisines, for their distinct flavor.
• Q: How long does it take for shiso seeds to germinate? A: Germination typically takes 7–21 days, but can sometimes extend up to 30 days, especially if the seeds are older or conditions aren’t ideal. Soaking seeds beforehand can help.
• Q: What condition will the seeds arrive in? A: The seeds will arrive in a sealed packet, ready for planting. They are carefully packaged to ensure freshness and viability.
• Q: How tall do shiso plants grow? A: Shiso plants typically reach a height of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) when the leaves are ready for optimal harvesting, but they can grow taller if allowed. Regular pinching encourages bushier growth.