How to Grow Perilla (Shiso) from Seed
Perilla (Perilla frutescens), also called Shiso, is an aromatic warm-season herb grown for its flavorful leaves. It is native to Asia, including China and India, and has been introduced to North America.
Growing Perilla from seed begins with a 24-hour water pre-soak. No stratification is required. After soaking, surface sow the seeds and keep them moist. Perilla seed requires light for germination, so do not bury it.
Quick Perilla Germination Guide
Pre-soak: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours
Stratification: None required
Planting depth: Surface sow
Light: Required for germination
Moisture: Keep consistently moist
Step 1: Soak Perilla Seeds for 24 Hours
Soak Perilla seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours.
After soaking, the seeds can be sown directly.
Step 2: No Stratification Required
Perilla seeds do not require cold or warm stratification.
Once the 24-hour soak is complete, proceed directly to sowing.
Pre-soak: 24 hours
Cold stratification: None
Warm stratification: None
Next step: Surface sow
Step 3: Surface Sow Perilla Seeds
Perilla seeds should be surface sown.
- Fill a tray or container with a fine, well-draining growing medium.
- Moisten the growing medium before sowing.
- Scatter the seeds across the surface.
- Do not bury the seeds.
- Keep the surface consistently moist.
Step 4: Provide Light for Germination
Perilla seeds require light for germination.
Keep the seeds exposed at the surface and provide bright light while maintaining steady moisture.
Do Perilla Seeds Need to Be Soaked?
Yes. Soak Perilla seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
The original draft suggested an optional 8–12 hour soak, but the supplier protocol specifies a full 24-hour soak.
Is Soaking Perilla Seed the Same as Scarification?
No. Although the supplier lists the soak under scarification, the actual treatment is a 24-hour water pre-soak.
No filing, sanding, nicking, or cutting is specified.
Do Perilla Seeds Need Stratification?
No. No stratification is required.
After the 24-hour soak, the seeds can be surface sown directly.
How Deep Should Perilla Seeds Be Planted?
Perilla seeds should be surface sown.
Do not bury them beneath the growing medium.
Do Perilla Seeds Need Light to Germinate?
Yes. The supplier specifically states that Perilla seeds require light for germination.
Keep the seeds exposed at the surface and provide bright light while they germinate.
How Should Perilla Seeds Be Watered?
Keep the seed surface consistently moist.
Because the seeds are surface sown, use gentle misting or bottom watering to avoid washing them away or covering them with soil.
What Soil Is Best for Perilla Seeds?
Use a fine, loose, fertile, well-draining growing medium.
The surface should remain evenly moist during germination while excess water is still able to drain freely.
Perilla Seedling Care
Once seedlings emerge:
- Provide bright light
- Keep the growing medium evenly moist
- Avoid continuously saturated soil
- Maintain good airflow
- Thin crowded seedlings
- Transplant once seedlings are sturdy enough to handle
Hardening Off Perilla Seedlings
Seedlings started indoors should be gradually acclimated before outdoor planting.
- Wait until outdoor conditions are mild.
- Begin with short periods outdoors in sheltered partial shade.
- Increase outdoor exposure gradually over 7–10 days.
- Introduce morning sun before stronger exposure.
- Protect seedlings from sudden cold, drying wind, and intense heat during the transition.
- Plant into the garden or a container once seedlings are acclimated.
Where Is Perilla Native?
Perilla is native to Asia, including China and India.
It has also been introduced to North America.
Where Should Perilla Be Grown?
Perilla grows well in garden beds and containers where it receives good light, dependable moisture, and adequate drainage.
Good growing conditions include:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil
- Moisture: Keep evenly moist
- Season: Warm-season growth
- Spacing: Allow room for branching and airflow
Can Perilla Be Grown in Containers?
Yes. Perilla grows well in containers as long as the pot provides good drainage, adequate growing space, and consistent moisture.
When Can Perilla Leaves Be Harvested?
Leaves can be harvested after plants are established and producing vigorous growth.
Take a portion of the leaves at a time so the plant can continue growing. Pinching the growing tips can also encourage bushier growth.
Can Perilla Self-Seed?
Yes. Perilla can self-seed where conditions are favorable.
Because it has been introduced to North America, check local guidance before allowing it to spread beyond cultivated beds, and remove unwanted flower heads or volunteer seedlings if necessary.
Will Purple Leaf Perilla Grow True from Seed?
Seed-grown Perilla plants are genetically variable.
Individual seedlings may vary in:
- Leaf color
- Flavor and aroma
- Growth rate
- Branching habit
- Plant size
- Flowering time
Common Perilla Germination Problems
Using Too Short a Pre-Soak
Soak Perilla seeds in water for the full 24 hours.
Adding Unnecessary Stratification
Perilla seeds require no stratification.
Burying the Seeds
Perilla seeds should be surface sown.
Blocking Light from the Seed
Perilla requires light for germination, so do not cover the seeds with soil.
Letting the Surface Dry Out
Surface-sown seeds can dry quickly. Keep the growing medium consistently moist.
Washing Seeds Away
Use gentle misting or bottom watering to keep the tiny seeds in place.
Keeping the Growing Medium Waterlogged
Maintain moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely.
Perilla Seed Germination FAQ
Do Perilla seeds need to be soaked?
Yes. Soak them in water for 24 hours.
Do Perilla seeds need stratification?
No. No stratification is required.
How deep should Perilla seeds be planted?
Surface sow the seeds and keep them moist.
Do Perilla seeds need light to germinate?
Yes. Light is required for germination.
Where is Perilla native?
Perilla frutescens is native to Asia, including China and India.
Grow Perilla from Seed
Soak 24 hours → No stratification → Surface sow → Keep consistently moist → Provide light for germination
Perilla is refreshingly uncomplicated: one day in water, no refrigerator chapter, then straight onto the soil surface. The one thing it refuses to negotiate is light, so resist the urge to tuck those seeds under a blanket of soil.