How do you grow Japanese shiso?

Shiso is typically started from seed. To improve germination, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing, and then sow the seeds outdoors right in your garden or raised bed. The plant prefers full sun but isn’t finicky about soil.

Is shiso annual or perennial?

Shiso is perennial and may be cultivated as an annual in temperate climates. Different parts of the plant are used in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine.

Does shiso grow back?

Shiso can be tricky to get going in your garden, but once it’s growing, it is likely to self-seed and come back year after year. The plant does best in full sun and in well drained soil, but it is really not that picky and is a generally low maintenance plant.

Is it easy to grow shiso?

Shiso seeds are very tough and sturdy. You can just seed them in your garden where you want them to grow, but they may take a long time to germinate that way, perhaps 3 to 4 weeks, and quite a few of the seeds may fail. To ensure that most of your shiso seeds germinate, soak them in water for 24 hours before seeding.

What is shiso and how is it used?

In traditional Chinese medicine, shiso is used as an anti-inflammatory herb to relieve coughs or asthma symptoms and gastrointestinal ailments such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The leaves also have antibacterial properties, so they are often used for skin conditions, such as eczema.

What is shiso and how do I use it?

Shiso is a member of the mint family. It strongly resembles a large basil plant. Shiso leaves have the tangy flavor of cumin, mint, nutmeg, and anise combined. There are two main types: green and red. Green shiso can be added to salads and is used wrapped sushi or chopped into hot and cold noodle dishes.

What is a shiso herb?

Shiso ( Perilla frutescens var. crispa) is an herb associated with Japanese cooking but it is originally from China. It was introduced in Japan in the 8th or 9th century. It was brought to the west in the 1850s as an ornamental plant but quickly became a nuisance thanks to its prolific self-sowing.