If you want to grow shiso in winter, the only way to do so is indoors. Shiso is easy to grow as a houseplant, in pots or containers. It’s unpretentious and easy to care for, but growing indoors in winter makes sure that it gets plenty of light. Otherwise, it can become leggy. When to harvest shiso? It’s best to germinate shiso seeds inside before planting outside when there’s no more chance of frost.

You can start harvesting shiso leaves when the plant is 8 inches (20 cm) or taller. Snip off the leaves as and when needed. Regular harvesting will also encourage the plant to become bushier, especially if you pinch the stem tips. All species of Perilla are unpretentious, resilient, and self-sowing. This is excellent news if you’re a gardener, but not so much for the environment. Shiso is also popular among Vietnamese herbs, under the name of tia to. The main difference from Japanese shiso is that the variety used in Vietnam is bicolor, with green leaves on the top and red on the bottom and stems. The uses are much the same, and you can pair it with Vietnamese soups, stir-fries, and fish or seafood dishes. Beefsteak plants are a particular threat, often outcompeting native flora. It’s also toxic to wildlife, which is why deer and other animals very rarely eat it. Given that it can easily escape cultivation, it is considered a weed or invasive plant, and planting it is not encouraged in many parts of the United States.Although shiso and Perilla both belong to the mint family, there are slight differences between the two. Essentially, shiso is a variety of Perilla frutescens. Towards the end of summer, shiso plants will start producing flowers. Although the flowers are edible, they are not as tasty as the leaves, so we recommend snipping them off. This will also prolong the plant’s life and encourage it to produce more leaves. – Is shiso a perennial plant? Red shiso: produces broad, oval-shaped leaves, with a deep burgundy or magenta color on the leaves, stalks and stems; the flowers are small and either pink or purple; Shiso is a herb belonging to the mint family. Its Latin name is Perilla frutescens var. Crispa, but it is known under several common names, such as zǐsū (紫蘇 “purple perilla”) or huíhuísū (回回蘇 “Muslim perilla”) in Chinese, tía tô in Vietnamese, and ggaetnip (깻잎) or soyeop (소엽) in Korean.

Shiso is the perfect companion for Japanese dishes. Depending on the variety, the leaves can be eaten either raw or cooked. The main reason for buying seeds from a reputable vendor is that shiso seeds become dormant after harvesting. The dormancy period can last for up to 2 years, which means that they will not germinate if you sow them too soon.Shiso also has several close cousins that look similar but offer a very different taste. Look for Perilla frutescens var. Crispa or Japanese Perilla. Bicolor shiso: the best of both worlds, this variety of shiso has leaves that are bright green on the top, and a deep purple on the bottom. Yes, Shiso leaves can be dried for later use. To do so, wash and pat dry the leaves, then hang them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once they are fully dry and brittle, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Alternatively, you can dry the leaves in a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature. Does Shiso repel bugs? The easiest way to tell red Perilla and purple basil apart is by looking at the leaves. In red Perilla, the leaves often have serrated edges, while purple basil has rounded ones. You can also tell them apart by taste: shiso has a unique aromatic flavor, similar to mint, with a hint of cilantro and spices like cinnamon and anise, and a bitter finish. Meanwhile, purple basil has the unmistakable taste of basil. How to grow shiso

To preserve fresh Shiso leaves, wrap them in damp paper towels and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the leaves for later use. Conclusion Ready to start planting shiso in your garden? This growing guide will tell you everything you need to know. The leaves of shiso have many health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, calcium, iron, vitamin A and C, and omega-3 fatty acids.Best location: Plant shiso in full sun or light shade; in hot summer regions grow shiso in dappled sunlight. Chilli Greeting Cards and postcards Beautiful, chilli-themed postcards and greeting cards (left blank for your own message). Garden Sundries An assortment of useful – and often hard to find – gardening tools that we highly recommend. They are all items that we use ourselves on our nursery, or would use if we gardened on a smaller scale! Shiso not only looks great but offers a unique flavor that can bring life to a wide array of dishes. It’s reasonably easy to grow indoors and out, making it a great addition to your garden. Outdoor planting time: Sow shiso seed outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in spring and nighttime temperatures are warmer than 45°F (7.2°C).