herb
EdibleShiso (Perilla)
Perilla frutescens
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA (not listed; documented toxin — perilla ketone)).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Shiso is a warm-season annual in the mint family with large, aromatic green or purple leaves used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cooking. It grows easily indoors but contains perilla ketone, so it is best kept away from pets that nibble.
About Shiso (Perilla)
Shiso (Perilla frutescens), also called perilla, is a warm-season annual in the mint family, native to East and Southeast Asia and central to Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cooking. Its large green or purple leaves are aromatic and picked one at a time through the warm months. It grows easily in a 5-litre pot and behaves much like basil, an approachable pick for a bright indoor spot.
Treat it as you would basil: keep it warm and brightly lit, with moderate, steady water. Pinch out the flower spikes as they form to keep the plant putting energy into leaves, and harvest the big leaves individually so it keeps branching. First good harvests arrive around 60 to 80 days. One caution: shiso contains perilla ketone and is best kept away from pets that like to nibble greenery, and it self-seeds aggressively if you let it flower.
What it’s like to grow
Shiso is an easy, productive herb that behaves predictably for anyone who has grown basil. The clearest sign of trouble is bolting in late summer, when it sends up flower spikes and leaf production slows, which is your cue to pinch and harvest harder. Stretched, pale stems point to weak light. It wants bright light and moderate water. It is a rewarding pick for a basil grower wanting something new, but the perilla ketone means it is not a safe choice around cats and dogs that graze on houseplants.
What to expect
First harvest in about 60–80 days. It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓♻ Regrow from scraps
Root a cut stem in water for 1–2 weeks until roots form, then pot it up.
Companions
Tips
- Pinch flower spikes as they form to keep leaf production going.
- Harvest individual large leaves and let the plant keep branching.
- Keep it warm and brightly lit, like basil.
Common problems
- Bolting to seed in late summer, which slows leaf production.
- Self-seeds aggressively and can become weedy.
Common questions
Is Shiso (Perilla) toxic to cats and dogs?
Shiso (Perilla) is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA (not listed; documented toxin — perilla ketone).
How much light does Shiso (Perilla) need?
Shiso (Perilla) wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Shiso (Perilla)?
Water Shiso (Perilla) when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Shiso (Perilla) need?
Shiso (Perilla) is happiest around 18–28 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 7 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Shiso (Perilla) take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 60–80 days from sowing under good conditions. A productive annual whose large aromatic leaves (green or purple) are picked individually through a warm season.
Can I grow Shiso (Perilla) without a sunny window?
Yes. Shiso (Perilla) does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Shiso (Perilla) get?
A bushy upright herb ~0.4–0.6 m tall; grow one plant per pot.
How do I propagate Shiso (Perilla)?
Sow seed on the surface, as it needs light to germinate, and keep it warm and moist.
What pests affect Shiso (Perilla)?
Watch for aphids, spider mites and whitefly. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Shiso (Perilla) easy to grow?
Yes. Shiso (Perilla) is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Shiso (Perilla)
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.