Shiso ‘Purple Frills’
Perilla frutescens
Description
Also known in the trade as ‘Purple’
With striking, deep chocolaty-maroon foliage, this plant provides exceptional textural interest to arrangements. Leaves are crimped and curled with serrated edges. Flowers are nondescript, and this variety is a superb, scented dark foliage choice from midsummer through autumn.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 85 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 85 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Seed requires light to germinate, so cover lightly. Speed up germination by popping seeds in the refrigerator or freezer for 2 to 3 weeks before sowing.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the foliage has become thick and the stems are woody, or any time after a flower spike begins to emerge. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 10 to 14 days.
Details
Description
Also known in the trade as ‘Purple’
With striking, deep chocolaty-maroon foliage, this plant provides exceptional textural interest to arrangements. Leaves are crimped and curled with serrated edges. Flowers are nondescript, and this variety is a superb, scented dark foliage choice from midsummer through autumn.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 85 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 85 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Seed requires light to germinate, so cover lightly. Speed up germination by popping seeds in the refrigerator or freezer for 2 to 3 weeks before sowing.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the foliage has become thick and the stems are woody, or any time after a flower spike begins to emerge. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 10 to 14 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
