Perilla Korean 'Shiso' Seeds – Aromatic Heirloom Herb with Bold, Basil-Mint Flavor (Perilla frutescens) – Essential in Asian Cuisine

Minimum: 100+ Seeds

Bold Flavor. Beautiful Leaves. A Culinary Staple of Korea and Beyond.

Add a burst of bold, unforgettable flavor to your garden with Perilla Korean 'Shiso', an aromatic heirloom herb celebrated across Asia for its distinctive taste and striking foliage. With notes of mint, basil, cinnamon, and clove, Korean Perilla brings depth and complexity to traditional dishes, fusion recipes, and herbal teas.

Known as “kkaennip” in Korean cuisine, these large, green leaves are often used fresh, pickled, or stir-fried. Whether you’re wrapping rice and meat, brewing a medicinal tea, or infusing your meals with a spicy-sweet kick, this herb is a must-have for adventurous cooks and herbalists alike.

Why Grow Korean 'Shiso' (Perilla)?

• Essential herb in Korean and Japanese cooking

• Unique flavor blend: mint + basil + anise + clove

• Fast-growing, vigorous annual with lush green leaves

• Attractive enough for ornamental gardens

• Easy to grow from seed, perfect for pots or garden beds

• Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

Flavor & Culinary Uses

• A staple in Korean dishes like perilla wraps, kimchi, and pickled kkaennip

• Adds rich, herbal flavor to rice bowls, soups, stews, noodles, and grilled meats

• Can be used in salads, pesto, herbal teas, tempura, or sushi

• Pairs well with garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili

• Also makes an excellent garnish or aromatic accent

Medicinal & Herbal Uses

• Traditionally used in Korean and Chinese herbal medicine

• May support digestion, reduce inflammation, and calm allergic reactions

• Leaves and seeds are sometimes used in teas or tinctures

Growing Tips for Korean Perilla (Shiso)
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost or sow directly after the soil warms. Perilla seeds require light to germinate, so press into moist soil without covering. Keep warm (70–75°F) and evenly moist. Germination may take 10–20 days—be patient.

Transplant outdoors in full sun to partial shade, spacing plants about 12–18 inches apart. This herb thrives in warm weather and rich, well-drained soil. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Harvest leaves regularly for best flavor and to prevent early flowering. If allowed to bloom, the plant produces beautiful flower spikes followed by edible seeds.

Did You Know?
Perilla is part of the mint family and will self-seed readily in many climates. While the Korean variety has broader, greener leaves and a slightly spicy edge, other types (like red or frilly shiso) are also used across Asia with different flavor notes.

Grow a Taste of Korea in Your Backyard
Whether you’re crafting authentic Korean recipes or exploring bold herbal flavors, Perilla Korean 'Shiso' is a culinary powerhouse that belongs in every herb garden.

From bibimbap to tea—this is the flavor you didn’t know you were missing. 🌿