70 Days — Purple Shiso AKA Red Shisho is a beefsteak plant that prefers warm weather and is a part of the mint family (Perilla frutescens var. crispa).
It develops wine-colored leaves that can reach up to 3-4’ tall in my experience.
75 seeds
As a well-known garnish and culinary herb heavily used in Asian cuisine, Purple Shiso Perilla is savory and sweet mint that gives hints of citrus. This wonderful smelling plants brings flavor similar to star anise, mint, and sometimes cumin.
Once plants reach maturity in the heat, shiso develops smooth wine-colored leaves similar to basil—providing a mild mint fragrance with astringent and bright flavor. As with all other beefsteak plants, this Perilla will continue to produce in late summer until weather cools.
When this shiso blooms pollinators go crazy for it and it’s dainty small pink-to-white flowers.(200 seeds)
Planting Instructions: Direct sow after last frost in the Spring. Cover seeds lightly as they need light to germinate.