Growing perilla, or shiso, can bring bright, minty, and slightly basil-like notes to salads, sushi, and many Asian-inspired dishes. Below are five highly regarded perilla seed options, chosen for germination ease, organic quality, and flavor versatility. Each product offers distinct leaf colors, growing characteristics, and culinary applications to help you select the best fit for your garden or balcony herb bed.
Product overview
| Product | Brand | Seed Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed Needs Shiso Seeds | Seed Needs | Non-GMO Heirloom Shiso | Green and Red varieties in one collection; great for culinary contrast. |
| McCabe Organic Raw Perilla Seeds | McCabe | USDA Organic | High-quality organic seeds with strong certification. |
| TKE Farms & Gardens Green Shiso Seeds | TKE FARMS & GARDENS | Non-GMO Heirloom | 200+ seeds per packet; easy to grow in varied climates. |
| Korean Perilla Seeds | Kitazawa Seed Company | Heirloom, Non-GMO | Fragrant leaves, ideal for Asian dishes and wraps. |
| Sow Right Seeds Green Shiso | Sow Right Seeds | Non-GMO Heirloom | Big packet with rich flavor; beginner-friendly. |
Seed Needs Shiso Seeds For Planting Green & Red Perilla
The Seed Needs collection includes both green and red perilla varieties, offering a practical option for home cooks wanting color variation and diverse flavor profiles. Green shiso provides a fresh minty note with a hint of basil, while red shiso delivers a deeper, earthier aroma. The seeds are described as non-GMO heirloom and untreated, making them suitable for an indoor or outdoor culinary garden. Growers can expect typical herb garden performance, with greens suited for salads and sushi and reds often used to color pickles or garnish.
McCabe Organic Raw Perilla Seeds
McCabe offers USDA and CCOF certified organic perilla seeds, packed in the USA. The product emphasizes high-quality ingredients and organic integrity, aligning with consumers seeking organic certification and reliable sourcing. Nutritional implications aren’t the primary focus, but perilla seeds contributeOmega-3 fatty acids and fiber when consumed. This option targets gardeners who prioritize organic standards and trusted certification while planning to cultivate perilla for fresh leaves or microgreen harvests.
TKE Farms & Gardens Green Shiso Perilla Seeds
This option highlights a robust germination rate, with over 200 premium non-GMO heirloom seeds per packet. The product notes include straightforward growing instructions, making it friendly for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Its adaptability to indoor and outdoor settings and tolerance for varied climates makes it a versatile choice for kitchen gardeners aiming to harvest fresh shiso leaves year-round, depending on season and location.
Korean Perilla Seeds – Heirloom, Non-GMO
Kitazawa Seed Company’s Korean Perilla seeds bring a fragrant profile suitable for wraps, garnishes, and salads. The variety is noted for warm-weather vigor and direct-sowing flexibility, with a focus on easy cultivation. This option is well-suited for gardeners who want a Korean shiso experience with strong aroma and culinary versatility, especially when grown as microgreens or mature plants for steady leaf production.
Sow Right Seeds Green Shiso Seeds
Sow Right Seeds offers a large packet of non-GMO green shiso seeds with a detailed care profile. This variety is described as productive, with a 60–70 day maturity window and clear spacing and sun requirements. It is positioned as beginner-friendly, making it a practical starter for home gardeners seeking reliable germination and an easy path to fresh perilla leaves for Asian-inspired dishes.
Gaea’s Blessing Korean Shiso Seeds
Gaea’s Blessing presents Korean shiso seeds with open-pollinated, non-GMO lineage and a high germination rate. While this is not in the top five chosen for the main list, it remains a solid option for gardeners seeking robust leaf production and a large-leaf perilla variety with distinctive two-tone coloration. Planting guidance focuses on maturity around 75 days and pruning for branching to maximize leaf yield.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Perilla Seed Purchases
- Germination and vigor: Look for packets that mention high germination rates, and consider varieties with non-GMO or heirloom status for reliable, predictable growth.
- Leaf color and flavor: Green shiso offers minty, basil-like notes, while red or two-toned varieties provide earthier flavors and striking foliage. Choose according to intended dishes and aesthetic goals.
- Growing conditions: Perilla adapts to warm climates and can thrive indoors or outdoors. Check instructions for sun exposure, spacing, and whether indoor containers are suitable in cooler regions.
- Organic and certifications: If you prioritize organic farming standards, select seeds with USDA or equivalent certification and non-GMO labeling.
- Container vs. garden bed: For limited space, look for compact varieties or microgreen-focused seeds and verify depth and width requirements for container pots.
- Culinary versatility: Consider whether you want leaves suitable for sushi, salads, garnishes, or pickling. Some varieties also offer unique aromas that can enhance beverages or jams.
- Seed quantity: Seed packets vary in seed count. If you plan multiple plantings, a larger packet may save time and effort while ensuring a continuous harvest.
Perilla is a versatile herb that can enrich many dishes and home garden setups. By selecting seeds with clear germination guidance and varieties that match your climate and culinary goals, you can enjoy fresh shiso leaves from early summer through the growing season. The listed options provide a range of flavors, colors, and cultivation styles to suit beginners and experienced gardeners alike.