Deep Purple-Red Foliage
Produces distinctive reddish-purple leaves that add beautiful color and ornamental interest to herb gardens and edible landscapes.
Red Shiso Seeds for Sale
Suitable for home gardening use
Regular price
Rs. 17.35 INR
Sale price
Rs. 17.35 INR
Regular price
Tax included.
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Estimated Delivery:Nov 24 - Nov 28
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Product description
Red Shiso Seeds
Red Shiso, botanically known as Perilla frutescens var. crispa, is a popular Japanese culinary herb admired for its deep reddish-purple foliage, distinctive aroma, and unique flavor. Also known as Japanese Red Perilla or Beefsteak Plant, it produces attractive textured leaves that can be used in Japanese and Asian cooking. Red Shiso is commonly used in sushi, pickles, salads, rice dishes, garnishes, and traditional umeboshi preparation. It is an excellent choice for herb gardens, raised beds, and suitable containers.
Japanese Red Shiso
Edible Purple Leaves
Culinary Herb
Aromatic Foliage
Key Features
Traditional Japanese Herb
A well-known culinary herb used in Japanese dishes, including sushi, pickles, rice preparations, and traditional preserved foods.
Distinctive Aromatic Flavor
Features a unique herbal aroma and flavor that can bring an interesting taste to salads, garnishes, and cooked dishes.
Suitable for Containers
Can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, and containers, making it a useful addition to home herb gardens.
Product Highlights
Rich reddish-purple foliage
Botanical name Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Popular Japanese culinary herb
Distinctive aromatic leaves
Used in sushi and Asian cuisine
Suitable for pickling and garnishing
Can grow in pots and garden beds
Annual herb with attractive foliage
Specifications
| Scientific Name | Perilla frutescens var. crispa |
| Common Name | Red Shiso, Japanese Red Perilla, Beefsteak Plant |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae (Mint Family) |
| Seed Type | Open-pollinated herb seeds (verify cultivar with supplier) |
| Plant Type | Annual Culinary Herb |
| Foliage Color | Deep Red to Reddish-Purple |
| Flower Color | Pink to Pale Purple |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy herbaceous plant |
| Approximate Plant Height | 18–30 inches (45–75 cm), depending on growing conditions |
| Germination Time | Approximately 7–21 days; conditions may affect germination |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 18–21°C (64–70°F) |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Regular watering; maintain consistent soil moisture |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) |
| Planting Season | Spring or suitable warm growing season |
| Growing Locations | Herb gardens, raised beds, pots, and containers |
| Harvest | Harvest established young leaves as required |
Growing Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Seeds
Red Shiso seeds can have variable dormancy. Soaking them in clean water for several hours before sowing may help improve moisture absorption. A period of cold treatment may also improve germination for some seed lots.
Red Shiso seeds can have variable dormancy. Soaking them in clean water for several hours before sowing may help improve moisture absorption. A period of cold treatment may also improve germination for some seed lots.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Select a fertile, well-drained growing medium rich in organic matter. Fill seed trays or small pots with a suitable seed-starting mix and moisten it evenly.
Select a fertile, well-drained growing medium rich in organic matter. Fill seed trays or small pots with a suitable seed-starting mix and moisten it evenly.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds
Scatter the small seeds over the soil surface and gently press them into the growing medium. Cover only very lightly because light helps Red Shiso seeds germinate. Avoid burying the seeds deeply.
Scatter the small seeds over the soil surface and gently press them into the growing medium. Cover only very lightly because light helps Red Shiso seeds germinate. Avoid burying the seeds deeply.
Step 4: Maintain Moisture and Warmth
Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the seed tray in a bright location with suitable warmth. Germination generally takes around 7–21 days, depending on seed quality and conditions.
Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the seed tray in a bright location with suitable warmth. Germination generally takes around 7–21 days, depending on seed quality and conditions.
Step 5: Transplant the Seedlings
Once seedlings develop their first true leaves and become strong enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or prepared garden beds. Space plants approximately 6–12 inches apart.
Once seedlings develop their first true leaves and become strong enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or prepared garden beds. Space plants approximately 6–12 inches apart.
Step 6: Care and Harvest
Provide suitable sunlight, regular watering, and occasional organic feeding. Pinch the growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Harvest established leaves regularly before flowering for continued tender foliage production.
Provide suitable sunlight, regular watering, and occasional organic feeding. Pinch the growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Harvest established leaves regularly before flowering for continued tender foliage production.
Bring Japanese Culinary Flavor to Your Garden with Red Shiso
Grow your own Red Shiso and enjoy its beautiful reddish-purple foliage, aromatic leaves, and distinctive culinary character. Perfect for home herb gardens, containers, and edible landscapes, this traditional Japanese herb offers both ornamental beauty and versatile kitchen uses. Add Red Shiso to your garden and explore the flavors of Asian cuisine with freshly harvested leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about growing Red Shiso, its culinary uses, and how to maintain its distinctive purple foliage.
Why are my Red Shiso seedlings growing green instead of purple?
Red Shiso is selected for its reddish-purple foliage, but young seedlings may initially show some green coloration. Leaf pigmentation becomes more noticeable as plants mature. Light conditions, genetics, and environmental factors can influence foliage color. If mature plants remain predominantly green, check whether the seeds are from a true red-leaf cultivar.
How do you stop Red Shiso from flowering too early?
Red Shiso is a short-day plant, meaning shortening daylight hours can encourage flowering. Early sowing, regular harvesting of leaves, and pinching growing tips can help encourage leafy growth. Once flowering begins, the plant gradually shifts its energy toward reproduction and leaf production may decrease.
How is Red Shiso used in Japanese cooking and pickling?
Red Shiso is traditionally used in Japanese cooking for its aromatic flavor and natural reddish-purple pigments. Its leaves are used in umeboshi plum pickling, sushi preparations, rice dishes, salads, and garnishes. The leaves can also be used to add color and herbal flavor to selected culinary preparations.