Vietnamese Perilla

Vietnamese Perilla or Shiso (Perilla frutescens), also called sesame or beefsteak plant, has smaller leaves and a stronger, aromatic flavor than the Japanese or Korean Perilla and beautiful red-purple underside the deep green leaves. It has an incredible flavor that can be described as a combination of cinnamon, mint, and clove with overtones of cumin. Perilla is commonly used in many countries in Asia for culinary purposes, notable in the US as part of the Vietnamese bouquet for the noodle dish, "Pho." It has medicinal properties as well. An edible plant, perilla is a very attractive plant for the garden and attracts butterflies. Perilla leaves are also rich in vitamins A, C, and riboflavin.

Planting Instructions:

Broadcast in soil after danger of frost has passed in Spring in at least 70F temperature soil.  Cover with a thin soil layer in full sun to light shade. Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart.