Growing perilla, also known as shiso, provides a flavorful addition to salads, sushi, garnishes, and herbal infusions. This article highlights five top perilla seed varieties suited for American home gardens, whether you prefer green shiso, purple shiso, or a traditional Japanese and Korean culinary profile. Each selection features clear germination guidance and ideal growing conditions to help you plan an abundant herb garden.
Summary Table of Chosen Products
- Seed Needs Shiso Seeds for Planting Green & Red Perilla — Non-GMO heirloom collection
- SVI 350 Red Shiso Seeds — Japanese shiso purple perilla
- 2026 EarlyBird-200 Perilla Seeds — Green shiso microgreens and culinary leaves
- Sow Right Seeds Green Shiso Seeds — Easy-to-grow perilla for Asian cuisine
- Korean Perilla Seeds — Heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated
Product selections overview
These five varieties are selected for diversity in leaf color, flavor, and culinary uses, from bright green shiso leaves ideal for sushi to deep purple varieties suited for garnishes and microgreens. They are suitable for indoor starts, container gardening, or traditional outdoor plots. Each product entry includes cultivation notes, germination guidance, and flavor profiles to help you compare options at a glance.
Seed Needs Shiso Seeds For Planting Green & Red Perilla
Seed Needs offers a two-pack collection of non-GMO heirloom perilla seeds in both green and red varieties. The green shiso features bright, serrated green leaves with a minty vibe, while the red shiso presents deep burgundy leaves with a slightly wrinkled texture. These seeds support an indoor or outdoor culinary garden and are marked for untreated cultivation. Useful for fresh shiso leaves in salads, sushi garnishes, and beverages, this collection suits cooks seeking immediate flavor diversity in a compact seed set.
Germination and care guidance: sow according to standard warm-season requirements for perilla, keeping soil consistently moist and providing full sun to partial shade. The dual-color offering expands your harvest window and flavor palette, enabling continuous supply for both fresh use and decorative plating.
SVI 350 Red Shiso Seeds (Perilla frutescens)
SVI’s Red Shiso seeds deliver an authentic Japanese variety with wine-colored leaves and sweet, savory, citrus notes. This classic shiso thrives as a warm annual herb with an upright bush form, suitable for outdoor beds, containers, or indoor starts. The seeds are ideal for home gardens and can be used in perilla leaf powder, cooking, or as a garnish. Expect vigorous growth with proper moisture and sunlight management.
Germination and care guidance: sow about 1/4 inch deep in warm soil, keep evenly moist, and provide plenty of light for strong establishment. This variety tends to mature in a single growing season, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a striking leaf color and robust aroma.
2026 EarlyBird-200 Perilla Seeds (Green Shiso)
HipGirl’s 2026 EarlyBird-200 listing provides Green Shiso seeds designed for sprouting and fresh herb production. The package highlights microgreens potential alongside traditional leaf harvests, making it versatile for gardeners who want quick greens for garnish or culinary use. The seeds are described as non-GMO and suitable for indoor or outdoor planting, with emphasis on quick turnover from sowing to harvest.
Germination and care guidance: plant shallowly with adequate warmth and light. The microgreens approach typically yields harvests within a few weeks, while full leaves can develop in a standard growing season. Use fresh green shiso leaves to brighten salads, sushi, and tempering sauces.
Sow Right Seeds Green Shiso Seeds For Planting
Sow Right Seeds offers a robust green shiso option (Perilla frutescens var. crispa), commonly called perilla mint. This non-GMO heirloom variety yields flavorful leaves with notes of mint, basil, citrus, and anise. The large seed packet is attractive for gardeners seeking a dependable, easy-to-grow herb for Asian cuisine and for microgreen production. The plant commonly reaches 12-36 inches in height and thrives in full sun with moderate spacing.
Germination and care guidance: expect germination in 7-21 days at soil temperatures between 65-75°F. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and space 10-12 inches apart. This variety is well-suited for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, with versatility in both fresh leaf use and microgreen harvesting.
Sow Right Seeds Purple Shiso Seeds For Planting
Purple Shiso, a purple-leaf variant of Perilla, offers a sweeter, milder flavor with a distinctive aroma. This variety is favored for its visual appeal in garnishes, sushi presentations, and fusion dishes. The seeds produce an aromatic plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors and are suitable for fresh herb harvests, including microgreens for weekly use.
Germination and care guidance: plant similarly to green shiso, with a shallow depth of 1/8 inch and 10-12 inch spacing in full sun. Expect 12-36 inch plant height with 6-12 inch spread, maturing in roughly 60-70 days, depending on climate and care. The purple leaves bring both color and flavor variety to culinary applications.
Korean Perilla Seeds – Heirloom, Non-GMO
Gaea’s Blessing offers Korean Shiso seeds, an open-pollinated, heirloom, non-GMO option with distinctive two-toned leaves—bright green on top and light purple underneath. This variety is prized for its large leaves and aromatic profile, suitable for wraps, garnishes, and fresh herb use. The packaging emphasizes a high germination rate and straightforward cultivation in home gardens.
Germination and care guidance: Perilla thrives in warm weather with full sun exposure. Pinching off new growth can promote branching and leaf production, enhancing harvest yields throughout the growing season.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Selecting Perilla Seeds
- Leaf color and flavor: Green shiso leaves tend to be minty with citrus hints, while purple shiso brings a sweeter, milder profile and striking color. Choose based on intended dishes and visual appeal.
- Growing environment: Perilla generally prefers warm conditions and full sun but tolerates partial shade. Consider whether you will plant in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden plots.
- Germination and growth rate: Most perilla seeds germinate within 7-21 days. For microgreens, look for varieties marketed for quick harvests. Spacing and depth guidance varies slightly by cultivar.
- Plant form and usage: Some varieties are better for fresh leaves, others for microgreens, and some are ideal for garnishes and pickling. Align seed choice with your culinary goals.
- Non-GMO and heirloom status: If seed authenticity and traditional flavors matter, prioritize heirloom and non-GMO listings. Open-pollinated strains can offer ongoing seed saving options.
- Container suitability: If growing indoors or on balconies, select compact or container-friendly varieties and ensure adequate light and drainage.
- Harvest timing: Most perilla leaves can be harvested once plants reach a sturdy size, with some varieties offering multiple harvests through pinching to encourage branching.