Perilla Seeds (Perilla frutescens) – 4 x 800

Grow aromatic perilla leaves at home. This listing advertises 4 packets × 800 seeds each (3,200 planting seeds total) of Perilla frutescens, a leafy annual known as perilla, shiso, Vietnamese tía tô and beefsteak plant. The offer is seeds for planting, not fresh leaves, dried tea, live plants or food-grade seed for eating.

What You Receive

• Listed quantity: Four packets of 800 seeds each, 3,200 total as advertised. Physical packet count and actual lot seed count have not been independently verified.
• Species: Perilla frutescens (mint family, Lamiaceae).
• Use: Planting an aromatic culinary herb for leaves in a managed garden or container, where local rules permit.
• Important unknowns: Specific shiso/tía tô cultivar, exact green or purple leaf color, seed germination test, seed treatment, organic certification and guaranteed harvest are not documented for this lot.

Before Buying: Growing Space and Spread Risk

Perilla prefers sun to partial shade, fertile well-drained soil and consistent moisture. It is frost-sensitive and often grown as a warm-season annual. A pot with drainage can help you monitor plants, but containers do not prevent seed from escaping.

Ecological and livestock caution: Perilla frutescens can self-seed aggressively and is considered invasive in some US states. It can be dangerous to cattle and other grazing livestock. Check local planting rules and do not grow it near pastures, hayfields or unmanaged natural areas. Remove flower heads before mature seeds disperse and pull unwanted volunteers. NC State Extension explains the spread and livestock concerns.

Quick Seed-Starting Guide

1. Start small: Sow a labeled test batch rather than opening every packet at once.
2. Sow shallowly: Press seeds onto a lightly moistened, well-draining seed-starting mix or cover only very lightly as the packet directs. Light may help perilla germination.
3. Provide suitable light: Maintain gentle moisture, avoid waterlogging, and give seedlings bright light after emergence.
4. Transplant carefully: Harden off young plants and move them outdoors after frost risk passes, allowing adequate room for leafy growth.
5. Harvest responsibly: Pick established leaves and pinch tips to encourage branching. Remove flower spikes before seed set and monitor the surrounding area.

Detailed steps are in our Shiso / Perilla sowing, harvest and spread-control guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is perilla called in Vietnamese?

Perilla is commonly called tía tô in Vietnamese. Shiso and tía tô belong to the same species group, but cultivated forms differ in leaf shape, scent and color; this seed lot's exact cultivar is not confirmed.

How to grow perilla?

Start seeds shallowly in a warm, moist but well-drained mix. Provide light, transplant after the last frost, and grow in sun or partial shade. Control seedheads to reduce spread.

Is shiso difficult to grow?

It can be vigorous once established, but germination varies by lot and conditions. The biggest management challenge may be preventing unwanted self-seeding. It is not suitable for every location.

Can I grow shiso indoors?

Yes, you can start seedlings indoors or grow a pot with sufficient grow lights, space, drainage and airflow. A dim windowsill may not provide enough light for healthy leaf production.

What does perilla taste like?

Perilla is aromatic and can have minty, basil-like, herbal or subtly spicy notes depending on the cultivated type. The flavor and green/purple leaf color of this particular seed lot are not guaranteed.

Product limit: Listed packet quantity is a catalog claim, not a verified physical count. Planting seeds are not intended for food, tea preparation or medical use.

Growing and safety references: NC State Extension, Johnny's Selected Seeds and UC Master Gardeners. Species-level information does not certify this specific retail seed lot.