Red Shiso Seeds - Perilla frutescens Crispa | Natural Dye, Tea & Culinary Qty 100
SKU:
SEED
$7.99
$7.99
per item
Perilla frutescens var. crispa (Red Shiso) is a striking, aromatic annual herb famous for its vibrant purple-red, frilly leaves and bold flavor. Also known as Purple Shiso or Beefsteak Plant, it’s easy to grow from seed and quickly becomes a favorite in herb gardens, vegetable beds, and containers.
Grow your own supply for fresh culinary use, homemade herbal teas, and natural plant-based dyeing — the same beautiful red-purple leaves and stalks you’ll find in my Dried Whole Red Shiso.
This vigorous, bushy plant reaches 18–36 inches tall (sometimes taller in ideal conditions) and produces edible leaves, flowers, and seeds. It self-seeds readily, so once established you’ll have plenty for years to come!
Grow your own supply for fresh culinary use, homemade herbal teas, and natural plant-based dyeing — the same beautiful red-purple leaves and stalks you’ll find in my Dried Whole Red Shiso.
- Qty: Approx. 100 Open-Pollinated Red Shiso Seeds (in natural husks) —a small pinch weighing roughly 0.2 grams.
This vigorous, bushy plant reaches 18–36 inches tall (sometimes taller in ideal conditions) and produces edible leaves, flowers, and seeds. It self-seeds readily, so once established you’ll have plenty for years to come!
Season: Annual (perennial in zones 10–11)
USDA Zone: 3–11 (grown as annual in most areas)
Botanical Name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Color: Vibrant Purple-Red Foliage
Blooming Season: Late Summer Soil: Well-Drained, Fertile, Moist
Germination: 7–21 Days
Seed Depth: Surface sow or ¼ inch (needs light)
Plant Spacing: 10–18 inches
Height: 18–36 inches
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Homestead Notes
Grown and hand-harvested here at Running Bug Farm in an all-natural, chemical-free environment. I grow in a biodiverse, no-spray garden that supports pollinators and works with nature. These are open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds you can save and grow year after year.
Why Grow Red Shiso?
Growing Tips
Seeds come in their natural husks — you can sow them as-is or gently crush the husks for slightly faster sprouting. Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours before planting improves germination. Surface sow or press lightly (they need light to germinate). Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge (7–21 days). Plant after last frost in full sun to partial shade. Pinch the tops when plants are 6–8 inches tall for bushier growth. Deadhead if you don’t want it to self-seed everywhere!
Zero Waste Packaging Seeds are hand-packed in paper bags. I reuse padded mailers and boxes whenever possible to reduce waste. You’re welcome to reuse or recycle the packaging too!
Need help? Please contact me and I'll do my best to assist you.
Images may appear different on different devices and screens.
USDA Zone: 3–11 (grown as annual in most areas)
Botanical Name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Color: Vibrant Purple-Red Foliage
Blooming Season: Late Summer Soil: Well-Drained, Fertile, Moist
Germination: 7–21 Days
Seed Depth: Surface sow or ¼ inch (needs light)
Plant Spacing: 10–18 inches
Height: 18–36 inches
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Homestead Notes
Grown and hand-harvested here at Running Bug Farm in an all-natural, chemical-free environment. I grow in a biodiverse, no-spray garden that supports pollinators and works with nature. These are open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds you can save and grow year after year.
Why Grow Red Shiso?
- Culinary powerhouse – fresh leaves add a unique cinnamon-mint-citrus flavor to sushi, salads, rice, pickling, and stir-fries
- Herbal tea & beverage – dry the leaves for refreshing, traditional Asian-style teas
- Natural plant-based dye – produces beautiful red-purple tones on wool, silk, and other fibers (see my Dried Whole Red Shiso for ready-to-use dyeing material)
- Traditional & medicinal uses – long history in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean herbal traditions for supporting digestion, colds, and overall wellness (informational only — consult a qualified herbalist for use)
- Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
- Vigorous, easy-care, and self-seeding
Growing Tips
Seeds come in their natural husks — you can sow them as-is or gently crush the husks for slightly faster sprouting. Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours before planting improves germination. Surface sow or press lightly (they need light to germinate). Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge (7–21 days). Plant after last frost in full sun to partial shade. Pinch the tops when plants are 6–8 inches tall for bushier growth. Deadhead if you don’t want it to self-seed everywhere!
Zero Waste Packaging Seeds are hand-packed in paper bags. I reuse padded mailers and boxes whenever possible to reduce waste. You’re welcome to reuse or recycle the packaging too!
Need help? Please contact me and I'll do my best to assist you.
Images may appear different on different devices and screens.