Green shiso is an annual used as an aromatic, medicinal and ornamental plant. All parts of the plant are edible and used similarly to coriander or mint. The leaves combine the flavors of basil, cumin, mint, cinnamon and anise, rich in vitamin C. Difficult to germinate.
Scientific Name: perilla frutescens
Plant Life Cycle: perennial
Optimal Germination Temperature: 22°C
Germination time in days: 10-21 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 80-85 days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: rich, well-drained soil (Clay, Chalk, Sand, Loam / Alkaline, Neutral, Acid / Well-drained)
Sowing and cultivation: Start your seeds indoors four to six weeks before last frost. Soak seeds 24 to 48 hours in water before sowing. Surface sow the seeds and very lightly cover with compost. They need light to germinate. Keep soil at a temperature of 24C. Keep soil moist rather than wet. Pinch the growing tips to promote bushier plants when the seedlings have reached 6 inches high. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and space 12 to 15 inches apart.
