Perilla – Shiso – Red

This hardy annual is also known as beefsteak plant. It has deeply cut, aromatic, purple leaves with crinkled edges. It has an allspice flavour with a hint of plum!

Sow under cover in trays in warmth. Germination takes 1-2 weeks. Pot on, and plant out 30cm apart. Or sow direct in a warm sunny position, throughout spring and summer, thin to 30cm spacing. Perilla prefers to be in full sun in moist rich soil. Sow the seed on the surface. It needs light to germinate so cover lightly. Caution: this herb is poisonous to horses and cattle!