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Japanese Shiso Purple

Perilla frutescens var. crispa

An exotic and stunning herb that's essential in Japanese cuisine, featuring deeply serrated purple leaves with a complex flavor profile. This beautiful annual combines the appearance of an ornamental plant with incredible culinary versatility. Shiso adds both visual drama and unique taste to gardens and dishes alike.

Harvest

60-70d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

10–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Japanese Shiso Purple in USDA Zone 10

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Zone Map

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Japanese Shiso Purple · Zones 10–11

What grows well in Zone 10? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilRich, well-draining soil with organic matter

pH6.0-7.5

WaterConsistent moisture, 1 inch per week

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorComplex blend of mint, basil, anise, and cinnamon with a slight spicy finish

ColorDeep purple to burgundy leaves with green undersides

SizeLeaves 3-5 inches long and wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 10	January – January	February – April	—	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Wet. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 3 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Purple Shiso'Purple leaves var. crispaShiso; more deeply toothed leaves and different flavor, 'Purple Shiso', var. crispa. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

.06 inch reticulate nutlet gray-brown

Color: Brown/Copper, Gray/Silver. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: Leaves as a salad herb, flavoring

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Japanese shiso purple leaves maintain peak quality for 5-7 days when stored properly. Wrap harvested leaves loosely in damp paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates deterioration.

For short-term storage, treat shiso like fresh basil — place stems in water and cover loosely with plastic, changing water every 2-3 days. The leaves will maintain their vibrant color and flavor for up to a week.

Dehydrating preserves shiso's complex flavor profile better than most herbs. Air-dry by hanging small bundles in a well-ventilated, dark location for 7-10 days. Properly dried shiso retains its purple color and can be crumbled for seasoning.

Freezing works well for cooked applications. Layer clean, dry leaves between parchment paper and freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Frozen leaves work perfectly for tempura batter or cooked dishes but lose their crisp texture for fresh applications.

Traditional Japanese preservation involves salt-pickling whole leaves, creating a condiment that keeps for months and intensifies the flavor.

History & Origin

Origin: Himalayas to Southeast Asia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Diseases, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Humidity, Insect Pests, Poor Soil
+Edible: Leaves as a salad herb, flavoring
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Shiso repels tomato hornworms and other pests while improving tomato flavor

Peppers

Shiso deters aphids and spider mites that commonly attack pepper plants

Eggplant

Both enjoy warm weather and shiso helps repel flea beetles that damage eggplant

Cucumbers

Shiso attracts beneficial insects and may help deter cucumber beetles

Beans

Beans fix nitrogen in soil benefiting shiso, while shiso repels bean beetles

Lettuce

Shiso provides partial shade for cool-season lettuce and deters slugs

Marigolds

Both repel similar pests and marigolds enhance shiso's pest-deterrent properties

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and other pests, protecting shiso

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill shiso plants

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of shiso and most herbs

Mint

Aggressive spreading habit competes for space and nutrients, can overwhelm shiso

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance, may be susceptible to fungal issues in humid conditions

Common Pests

Japanese beetles, flea beetles, aphids

Diseases

Bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Japanese shiso purple take to grow from seed?▼

Japanese shiso purple typically takes 60-70 days from seed to first harvest. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days under proper conditions, and you can begin harvesting young leaves when plants reach 6-8 inches tall. For continuous harvest, start picking outer leaves regularly after about 8-9 weeks from sowing.

Can you grow Japanese shiso purple in containers?▼

Yes, Japanese shiso purple grows excellently in containers. Use pots at least 12 inches deep and wide with drainage holes. A 5-gallon container can support 2-3 plants. Container growing actually helps control its self-seeding tendency while allowing you to move plants to optimize light conditions throughout the season.

What does Japanese shiso purple taste like compared to green shiso?▼

Purple shiso has a more complex, intense flavor than green varieties, combining mint, basil, anise, and cinnamon notes with a subtle spicy finish. The purple variety tends to be slightly more aromatic and less bitter than green shiso, with earthy undertones that make it particularly prized for traditional Japanese dishes and pickling.

When should I plant Japanese shiso purple seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow after soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F. In most areas, this means late April to early May for direct sowing. Seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them with soil — just press lightly into the surface.

Is Japanese shiso purple good for beginner gardeners?▼

Japanese shiso purple is moderately beginner-friendly. While it's generally easy to grow once established, the light-dependent seed germination and sensitivity to overwatering can challenge new gardeners. Success improves significantly if you start with transplants from a nursery rather than starting from seed.

Why are my Japanese shiso purple leaves turning green?▼

Purple shiso leaves fade to green when exposed to intense afternoon sun or heat stress above 85°F. This is normal but reduces both ornamental appeal and flavor intensity. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates and ensure consistent soil moisture. Young leaves will maintain better purple coloration than older ones.