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Lamiaceae
Ornamental flowers seeds
Nankinensis shiso (Perilla frutescens)
Product code : 61-6000-010
Nankinensis shiso, also called Chinese basil or beefsteak plant, produces ornamental and edible purple foliage. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds. Plants reach 40–60 cm tall and spread about 30 cm. Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before planting or direct-sow after the last frost at approximately 20 °C; germination generally takes 7–14 days. Because the roots are delicate, use individual pots and transplant without breaking the root ball. Plant in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. The leaves flavour salads, fresh vegetables, fish, rice, and cooked vegetables with notes of anise, mint, basil, pepper, and cinnamon. Flowers are also edible, and light pinching encourages branching.
- Quantity
- Approximately 500 bare seeds per packet
- Exposure
- Sun or partial shade
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameNankinensis shiso
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusPerilla
Speciesfrutescens
CultivarNankinensis
Typebare seeds
Botanical namePerilla frutescens
Nankinensis shiso (Perilla frutescens) Also called Chinese basil or beefsteak plant, this shiso is both an ornamental and edible annual. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds. Plants reach 40–60 cm tall and spread about 30 cm. Purple foliage brings rich colour to containers and garden beds, while the leaves offer a complex aroma reminiscent of anise, lemon balm, pepper, cinnamon, mint, and basil. Leaves can be used raw in salads and fresh vegetables or cooked with fish, rice, and vegetable dishes. The flowers are also edible. Its combination of decorative foliage and culinary value makes it useful in edible landscapes, herb gardens, and sunny patio containers.
For best results, sow indoors 3–4 weeks before outdoor planting, or direct-sow after the last frost. Keep the growing medium at approximately 20 °C; germination generally takes 7–14 days. Because the roots are relatively delicate, sow one or two seeds in a peat pot, biodegradable container, or individual pot at least 7 cm wide to reduce disturbance during transplanting. Use a porous, well-drained seed-starting mix, keep it evenly moist without saturating it, and provide bright light after seedlings emerge. Thin to the strongest seedling in each pot if both seeds germinate, and handle the root ball gently when moving plants outdoors.
Harden plants gradually before setting them outside, approximately 7–10 days after the last ground frost. Shiso grows in sun or partial shade in clay, sandy, or humus-rich soil that retains regular moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Water when the surface begins to dry, especially in containers and during warm weather. Harvest leaves as needed once they are well developed, leaving enough foliage to support continued growth. For the best aroma, use the leaves fresh soon after harvest. Light pinching can encourage branching and a steady supply of young leaves. Avoid waterlogged soil, and check container-grown plants frequently because their growing medium dries faster than garden soil.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Cover very lightly in a porous, well-drained seed-starting mix
Spacing / density
One or two seeds per pot 7 cm or larger; space plants for a mature spread of 30 cm
Germination temperature
20°C
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
Indoors 3 to 4 weeks before planting out, or direct sow 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
For best results with Nankinensis shiso, follow the confirmed sowing information and observe growth at each stage. Nankinensis shiso is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, height:, spread: 30 cm, colour: purple. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Nankinensis Shiso, also called Chinese basil or beefsteak plant, is an ornamental and edible plant. Cultivated for the beauty of its foliage (flowers are also edible). The aroma of the leaves is between anise, lemon balm and pepper with a hint of cinnamon reminding a minty basil. It can be used bare to flavour salads and vegetables, or cooked to enhance fish and rice. It is recommended to remove only damaged material while retaining healthy foliage needed for continued growth. Results may vary with weather, sowing date, soil quality, and the number of hours of useful light each day. This approach helps gardeners enjoy the variety’s confirmed qualities without adding more maintenance than the plant requires.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
pH not specified; clay, sandy, or humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil
Minimum temperature
Frost tender during annual production
Care level
Easy
Watering
For Nankinensis shiso, check soil moisture before watering and adjust frequency to weather and observed growth. Nankinensis shiso is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, height:, spread: 30 cm, colour: purple. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.
Soil type
This variety prefers soil or growing medium that follows the drainage and texture information published for Nankinensis shiso. Nankinensis shiso is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, height:, spread: 30 cm, colour: purple. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.
Fertilization
Fertilization for Nankinensis shiso can remain moderate and be adjusted to soil fertility and observed vigour. Nankinensis shiso is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, height:, spread: 30 cm, colour: purple. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.
Moisture
Consistent without saturation
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for Nankinensis shiso relies on regular observation, measured intervention, and respect for its growth cycle. Nankinensis shiso is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, height:, spread: 30 cm, colour: purple. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Nankinensis Shiso, also called Chinese basil or beefsteak plant, is an ornamental and edible plant. Cultivated for the beauty of its foliage (flowers are also edible). The aroma of the leaves is between anise, lemon balm and pepper with a hint of cinnamon reminding a minty basil. It can be used bare to flavour salads and vegetables, or cooked to enhance fish and rice. It is recommended to remove only damaged material while retaining healthy foliage needed for continued growth. Results may vary with weather, sowing date, soil quality, and the number of hours of useful light each day. This approach helps gardeners enjoy the variety’s confirmed qualities without adding more maintenance than the plant requires. For best results, check the growing medium before watering and adjust frequency to the actual conditions around the plant.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
Nankinensis shiso can be considered for a container when volume, drainage, and light match the expected growth. Nankinensis shiso is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, height:, spread: 30 cm, colour: purple. The packet contains approximately 500 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Nankinensis Shiso, also called Chinese basil or beefsteak plant, is an ornamental and edible plant. Cultivated for the beauty of its foliage (flowers are also edible). The aroma of the leaves is between anise, lemon balm and pepper with a hint of cinnamon reminding a minty basil. It can be used bare to flavour salads and vegetables, or cooked to enhance fish and rice. It is recommended to remove only damaged material while retaining healthy foliage needed for continued growth. Results may vary with weather, sowing date, soil quality, and the number of hours of useful light each day. This approach helps gardeners enjoy the variety’s confirmed qualities without adding more maintenance than the plant requires.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
40 to 60 cm (15.7 to 23.6 in)
Width / spread
30 cm (11.8 in)
Flower color
Small inconspicuous flowers; the source primarily highlights purple foliage
Foliage color
Purple
Foliage type
Aromatic, serrated, decorative, edible foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Upright and branched
Fragrance
Aromatic leaves recalling anise, lemon balm, pepper, cinnamon, mint, and basil
Bloom period
June through September
Days to maturity
8 to 10 weeks
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Feuilles cultivées pour un usage alimentaire
Pour quatre portions, préparez une salade de concombre et de tomate au shiso avec 300 g de concombre, 300 g de tomates, 15 g de feuilles fraîches de shiso, 30 ml d'huile d'olive, 15 ml de jus de citron et une pincée de sel. Rincez les légumes et les feuilles, puis égouttez-les soigneusement pour ne pas diluer l'assaisonnement. Coupez le concombre en petits morceaux et les tomates en quartiers. Retirez les pétioles les plus fermes du shiso, superposez les feuilles sans les écraser et ciselez-les juste avant le service. Mélangez l'huile, le jus de citron et le sel dans un saladier. Ajoutez les légumes, remuez doucement, puis répartissez le shiso dans la salade. Goûtez et ajustez l'assaisonnement avant de servir. Gardez quelques feuilles ciselées pour le dessus afin de conserver leur parfum à la dégustation. Répartissez dans quatre assiettes et accompagnez de riz ou de poisson selon le repas prévu. Réfrigérez sans attendre les surplus dans un contenant fermé et consommez-les rapidement. Conservez les feuilles encore entières séparément des légumes assaisonnés.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What is in a Nankinensis shiso packet?
The W.H. Perron packet, code 61-6000-010, contains approximately 500 bare seeds of Perilla frutescens Nankinensis. The official page lists a bare formulation; it does not present this format as organic and publishes no coating or other treatment. The corresponding fields are therefore semences_biologique FALSE and semence_quantite “Approximately 500 bare seeds per packet.” Because no F1 hybrid status is given, semence_reproductible is TRUE, while semence_patrimoine remains FALSE because no official heirloom designation was found. Keep the packet closed, cool, and dry until sowing. These seeds are intended for cultivation, not direct consumption. Mark the opening date on the packet and return unused seed to dry storage promptly.
How and when should Nankinensis shiso be sown?
W.H. Perron recommends sowing indoors 3 to 4 weeks before outdoor planting, or direct sowing in the garden 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost date. Use a porous, well-drained seed-starting mix, place one or two seeds in a pot 7 cm or larger, cover very lightly, and maintain approximately 20°C. Germination normally takes 7 to 14 days. Roots are delicate, so avoid unnecessary handling and favour a peat or Jiffy-type container that can be transplanted with the root ball. Move plants outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed. Harden seedlings gradually for several days so tender foliage adjusts to outdoor sun, wind, and cooler nights before final planting.
How should this perilla be grown and watered?
Place shiso in sun or partial shade in clay, sandy, or humus-rich soil that remains fertile and well drained. Before planting, loosen the ground deeply and incorporate planting mix if it is compacted. Handle the root ball carefully because W.H. Perron notes that transplanting is delicate when roots are disturbed. Water immediately, then every two or three days during establishment when rainfall is insufficient, without waterlogging the soil. Once growth is active, adjust according to heat and how quickly the growing medium dries. A light mulch helps stabilize moisture without burying the base of the stems. Inspect moisture daily, especially in containers exposed to afternoon sun and wind.
Which parts are edible and how can they be used?
W.H. Perron presents the foliage and flowers as edible. Purple leaves offer a complex profile combining anise, lemon balm, pepper, and cinnamon, with a flavour recalling mint and basil. Harvest healthy leaves, rinse them, and use them bare to season salads and fresh vegetables, or add them near the end of cooking to fish, rice, and vegetables. Flowers may be used as garnish when they come from a correctly identified plant grown for food. Comestible is therefore TRUE. This status concerns the human use stated by the supplier; it does not mean the plant is suitable for animals or that packet seed should be eaten.
Is Nankinensis shiso safe for animals?
No. Pet_friendly is FALSE and toxicite is TRUE. Although W.H. Perron sells this shiso as edible for humans, veterinary sources describe Perilla frutescens as toxic to cattle, horses, sheep, and other ruminants. Perilla may contain perilla ketone associated with lung injury, and flowers and seed-bearing portions can be especially concerning. Prevent livestock and household animals from grazing plants, garden residues, or seed heads. Safety specifically for cats and dogs was not confirmed, so do not intentionally feed it to them. After ingestion or any respiratory symptom, contact a veterinarian promptly and provide the plant’s botanical name. Keep the botanical label available for the veterinary consultation and do not wait for signs to worsen.
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