Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Perilla frutescens var. crispa has many common names, including purple shiso, Chinese basil and purple perilla. Leaves have a unique taste, which is said to be a combination of the flavours of mint and basil, with a hint of cumin.
Popular in Asia, the purple-red leaves may be used to colour and flavour vinegar and to make pink rice. They can also be grown as micro-leaves, to include in salads.
Grow Perilla frutescens var. crispa in rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Water only when dry. Provide cloche protection in cool weather.
Advertisement
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
yes
yes
Perilla and wildlife
Perilla has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
