How to grow Shiso (Perilla) in New Zealand
Shiso, or perilla, is a Japanese and Korean herb with large, frilly green or red leaves and a complex flavour of mint, basil, anise and cinnamon. It is a frost-tender annual that grows easily once the weather warms, and it often self-seeds in the warm north. Chilling the seed before sowing helps it germinate.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Shiso (Perilla) in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to December | |
| Auckland | September to December | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October to December | Sow from October, once the inland frosts are over in late September. Warm coastal Bay of Plenty gardens can start a few weeks earlier under cover. |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to December | Sow Oct to Dec once the soil has warmed, in a sunny spot sheltered from the wind. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to December | Frost tender. Sow Oct to Dec once the frosts finish. |
| Canterbury | November and December | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Dec once the frosts finish in mid October; dies at the first autumn frost. |
| Otago & Southland | December | Frost tender. Sow in December once the frosts are over, or grow it under cover. |
| Central Otago | November and December | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Dec after the last frost in early November; dies at the first autumn frost. |
Not to be confused with: Korean perilla or sesame leaf, a closely related type with a milder flavour, and basil, a different herb with similar uses.
Where to plant
Grow shiso in full sun or part shade in rich, moist soil. It is frost tender and grows fast once the soil warms. In the warm north it self-seeds freely, so pull out unwanted seedlings or cut plants back before they set seed.
- Northland and Auckland: sow from September.
- Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: plant from October, once the inland frosts are over in late September. Warm coastal Bay of Plenty gardens can start a few weeks earlier under cover.
- Wellington and Nelson: plant from October to December once the soil has warmed, in a sunny spot out of the wind.
- Central North Island, Canterbury and Central Otago: sow in November or December after the frosts; in Otago and Southland, in December or under cover.
Choosing a variety
- Green shiso has bright green, frilly leaves with a fresh mint, basil and anise flavour, and is the one served with sashimi.
- Red or purple shiso is used to colour pickled plums (umeboshi) and pickled ginger, and makes a striking garden plant.
- Korean perilla (sesame leaf) is a related type with milder, larger leaves, used for wrapping barbecued meat.
How to plant
- Seal the seed packet and chill it in the fridge for two to three weeks before sowing; this breaks dormancy.
- Sow on the surface of seed-raising mix and press in lightly without covering, as the seed needs light to germinate. Keep moist and warm.
- Plant out once the frosts are over, about 30 cm apart.
- Water in well and mulch.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil evenly moist; shiso wilts quickly when dry. Feed with a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks for lots of leaves.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pinch out the growing tips and flower spikes to encourage bushy, leafy plants.
- Let one or two plants flower and set seed if you want it to come back next year.
- Plants die at the first autumn frost.
Harvesting
Pick leaves young and tender for salads, sushi, sashimi and wrapping. Pick from the top to encourage branching. The flower spikes and young seed heads are edible too.
Growing in pots
Shiso grows well in a pot of rich potting mix in sun or part shade. Keep it well watered.
Companion planting
Shiso suits the summer bed with other warm-season crops.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Shiso has few problems.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Small insects under young leaves.
Diseases to watch for
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on leaves with grey growth underneath in humid weather.
Common questions
Why won't my shiso seed germinate?
Shiso seed is dormant when fresh. Chill the sealed packet in the fridge for two to three weeks, then sow on the surface without covering, as it needs light, in a warm spot.
What does shiso taste like?
A mix of mint, basil, anise and cinnamon. Green shiso is fresher; red shiso is more astringent and mostly used for colour in pickles.
Is shiso the same as perilla?
Shiso is a type of perilla. Korean perilla, or sesame leaf, is a closely related type with larger, milder leaves.
Will shiso come back next year?
It is an annual and dies at the first frost, but it often self-seeds, especially in the warm north.
When do I sow shiso?
From September in the north and in November or December in cooler areas, once frosts are over. Choose your region at the top of the page for the months.
Sources we checked: Kings Seeds: Shiso Green; Kings Seeds: Perilla Purple.