Perilla.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Annual herb

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 2 to 4 days

Mature size

2 to 3 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 11

Bloom time

Late summer to early autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to encourage lush growth. Watch for wilting during hot afternoons, which signals the plant needs a drink. Pinch back the stems regularly to promote a bushier shape and prevent early flowering.

Watering

Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Pruning

Pinch back the growing tips frequently to encourage branching and delay flowering.

Repotting

Since this is an annual, you will typically only need to repot if you are moving it into a larger container for the season.

Soil

Well draining, fertile soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

5 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The plant is generally considered safe for culinary use, though some people may experience contact dermatitis from the essential oils.

Pets

Perilla frutescens is known to be toxic to cattle and horses, and it is generally best to keep it away from curious pets.

Children

The seeds are small and could pose a choking hazard if ingested by small children.

Contact allergens

Handling the foliage may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the volatile oils.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can trigger mild respiratory symptoms in those with seasonal allergies.

Edibility

Consult a professional before consuming, as some varieties can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in certain individuals.

How to identify it

• Opposite, serrated, heart shaped leaves
• Deep purple to green foliage
• Square stems typical of mint family
• Small, white or pinkish flower spikes

Height

0.6 to 1.2m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

purple, green, bronze, deciduous

Flowers

white, pink, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• BoltingCommon
• RustCommon
• DehydrationUncommon
• Leaf SpotUncommon
• Powdery MildewUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

seed

When to plant

Spring

Plant in a container to prevent the seeds from spreading throughout your garden beds.

Grows well with

• Tomato · They share similar soil and water requirements.
• Basil · Both are members of the Lamiaceae family and enjoy similar conditions.

Similar species

• Coleus · Similar foliage color and texture but grown primarily for ornament.

Science

Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Perilla

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

East Asia

Conservation

It is not of conservation concern and is considered an invasive species in many parts of North America.

It thrives in disturbed soils and forest edges where it can easily outcompete native vegetation.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

culinary herb, ornamental foliage, garnish, oil production

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is Perilla invasive?

Yes, it spreads aggressively by seed and is considered invasive in many regions.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It grows well in containers, which also helps control its spread.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Perilla is of uncertain origin, while the species name frutescens refers to its shrubby, bushy growth habit.

Good to know

• Perilla is a member of the mint family.
• The leaves are a staple in Korean and Japanese cuisine.
• It is often called beefsteak plant due to its deep purple color.
• The seeds are pressed to create a nutty, aromatic oil.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs