Perilla frutescens is an edible herb plant that is native to the Korean peninsula, Southern China, Japan and the Indian highlands. Green Perilla is grown for its leaves which are widely used as a vegetable in many Asian dishes. They also make great companion plants by attracting pollinators while repelling some of the pests.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Green Perilla is also commonly called Beefsteak Plant, Wild Basil, Chinese Basil, Wild Coleus, Rattlesnake Weed and Perilla Mint. A sub-variety, Perilla frutescens var. crispa is known as Shiso which is the most common name for Perilla across Asia.
As part of the mint family, it has a strong aromatic smell and can become invasive if left unattended.
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Growth
Green Perilla is a herbaceous fast growing annual that grows to 90cm (3 feet) tall by 45 cm (18 inches) wide. As they are intolerant to cold temperatures, seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost. Younger plants struggle in temperatures below 5°C /41°F so are usually grown in pots to develop growth indoors or in a greenhouse prior to transplanting into their final position.
The leaves of Perilla are opposite and grow to 12cm (5 inches) long by 8cm (3 inches) wide. They have a broad oval shape with pointy ends and serrated margins. Green Perilla produces green leaves with random patches of purple underneath.
Harvesting leaves occurs during Summer and when trimmed at the stem stimulates further growth. Seeds are collected in Autumn by removing the entire plant and allowing it to sun dry.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-35°C / 41-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 90cm (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 45 cm (18 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 13-20°C / 55-70°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 900
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT PERILLA FRUTESCENS (Green Perilla)
Perilla is part of a Food Exhaustion Day in traditional Manchu (Eastern China) culture which is celebrated during the eighth month of the lunisolar calendar. There the perilla leaves are used to wrap around a combination of sorghum or rice with red bean paste to make Efen.
In Indian cuisine, the seeds of Perilla are ground and roasted then combined with salt, chillis and tomatoes to make a chutney or condiment. The seeds and leaves are also used in curries, salads and meat dishes.
In Japan, it is said that Perilla adds ten years to a person’s lifespan while traditionally the oil from the seeds were used to power lamps.
Green Perilla is considered an invasive weed in the United States and is toxic to cattle if digested.
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