🌿 Herb Spotlight: Shiso
Common name: Shiso, Perilla, Japanese Basil
Botanical name: Perilla frutescens
Family: Lamiaceae
Bold, aromatic, and beautifully ornamental, shiso is one of the most exciting herbs you can grow. A staple in Japanese, Korean, and other East Asian cuisines, shiso offers a unique flavor that's often described as a blend of mint, basil, citrus, cinnamon, and anise. Whether you're growing it for fresh summer rolls, sushi, salads, or its striking foliage, shiso is sure to become a garden favorite.
At The Flower Bin, we carry Green Shiso, Red Shiso, and Britton Shiso, each bringing its own unique beauty and flavor to the garden.
🌱 Why Grow Shiso?
1. Unique Culinary Flavor
Shiso adds a bright, complex flavor that's unlike any other herb and pairs beautifully with seafood, rice dishes, noodles, and fresh vegetables.
2. Beautiful Garden Color
From vibrant green to deep burgundy foliage, shiso is just as attractive in the landscape as it is on the plate.
3. Pollinator Friendly
Late-season flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
4. Easy to Grow
Shiso grows quickly and thrives during the warm summer months with very little maintenance.
🌿 Which Shiso Is Right for You?
🌿 Green Shiso
The classic culinary variety found in Japanese cuisine.
Why You'll Love It:
Bright green, crinkled leaves
Fresh, citrusy flavor with hints of mint and basil
Tender leaves perfect for eating fresh
Best For:
Sushi and sashimi
Fresh spring rolls
Salads
Rice bowls
Garnishes
Wrapping grilled meats or fish
❤️ Red Shiso
A stunning ornamental herb with rich burgundy foliage and bolder taste.
Why You'll Love It:
Beautiful deep red leaves
Slightly earthier, more robust flavor
Adds dramatic color to both the garden and the kitchen
Best For:
Pickling vegetables
Coloring pickled ginger or umeboshi
Herb vinegars
Salads
Decorative garnishes
🌿 Britton Shiso
A vigorous variety prized for its abundant harvests and beautiful foliage.
Why You'll Love It:
Large, flavorful leaves
Excellent garden performance
Beautiful ornamental habit
Productive throughout the season
Best For:
Frequent harvesting
Fresh cooking
Container gardens
Mixed herb beds
🌿 Growing & Care
☀️ Light
Prefers full sun to partial shade
Afternoon shade is appreciated during hot summers
🌧️ Water
Keep soil consistently moist
Avoid letting plants dry out completely
🌱 Soil
Rich, well-draining soil
Benefits from compost or organic matter
🌿 Growth Habit
Bushy annual herb
Typically grows 2–3 feet tall
Readily branches with regular harvesting
🌡️ Climate & Zones
Grown as an annual in most USDA Zones
Loves warm summer temperatures
Sensitive to frost
🌬️ Growing Shiso in Zone 5
Shiso performs beautifully during Colorado summers.
Tips for Success:
Plant outdoors after all chance of frost has passed.
Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if possible.
Harvest often will promote bushier plants.
Remove flower spikes if your goal is continued leaf production.
Allow one or two plants to flower if you'd like to collect seeds for next year.
🌿 Harvesting Shiso
🌱 What to Harvest
Young, tender leaves
Stem tips for continued branching
🌞 When to Harvest
Begin once plants are well established.
Harvest frequently throughout summer.
Fresh leaves offer the best flavor and texture.
🍣 How to Use Shiso
Shiso is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked.
Try it:
Wrapped around sushi or rice balls
Chopped into salads
Added to noodle dishes
Mixed into rice
Layered in sandwiches
Used as a garnish for grilled fish or chicken
Infused into lemonade or sparkling water
Make it into a refreshing jelly
🍚 Shiso Cucumber Rice Salad
A light and refreshing side dish that's perfect for summer picnics or grilled meals.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or sushi rice
1 cucumber, diced
2 tablespoons chopped Green Shiso leaves
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
In a large bowl, combine rice, cucumber, green onions, and chopped shiso.
Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
Toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve chilled.
Optional: Add grilled shrimp, edamame, or avocado for a complete meal.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Whether you're discovering shiso for the first time or looking to expand your herb garden, this beautiful and flavorful plant is sure to impress. Green Shiso offers fresh, classic flavors, Red Shiso adds stunning color and bold character, and Britton Shiso provides abundant harvests all season long.
Come visit The Flower Bin to explore our collection of Green, Red, and Britton Shiso and discover a new favorite herb for your garden and kitchen! 🌿🍣
