Everything You Need to Know About Perilla / Shiso — Care, Propagation & More
Your complete Filipino gardener’s guide to growing, caring for, and harvesting Shiso — from seed to plate.
What Can You Eat?
Discover the edible parts and how Filipinos enjoy this plant in everyday cooking.
Perilla (shiso) leaves are used as a Korean BBQ wrap (samgyupsal nights are huge in the Philippines), as a garnish for sashimi and sushi, pickled as a side dish, or tossed fresh into salads. The distinctive aromatic flavor pairs well with grilled meats.
With the Korean food wave sweeping the Philippines, perilla leaves (known as kkaennip in Korean) have become popular among urban gardeners who want fresh leaves for their samgyupsal sessions at home. Growing your own is practical since imported perilla is expensive and wilts quickly in Philippine heat.
Germination Guide
From seed to sprout — here’s what to expect and how to get started.
Planting Instructions
Everything you need to prepare — soil, spacing, depth, and the best Philippine planting months.
Propagation Methods
Learn the best ways to multiply your plants — from seeds to cuttings.
Care Guide
Keep your plant happy and thriving with the right light, water, and nutrients.
Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours; protect from intense midday heat)
Regular; keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Compost or diluted fish emulsion every 2-3 weeks for lush leaf production
18-28°C
50-70%
Mulch to keep soil cool; pinch flower buds to prolong leaf harvest.
Harvest Guide
Know when and how to harvest for the best yield and flavor.
Leaves are full-sized (8-10 cm), fragrant, and deep green (or purple for red varieties). Harvest before the plant begins to flower.
Pick individual leaves as needed, or cut stems above a leaf pair to encourage branching. Regular harvesting keeps the plant bushy and productive.
Common Problems & Solutions
Spot issues early and fix them fast.
Bolting (premature flowering)
Cause: Heat stress or long day length triggers early flowering
Solution: Pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear. Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture.
Spider mites
Cause: Dry, hot conditions attract spider mites to undersides of leaves
Solution: Mist leaves daily; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase humidity around plants.
Leaf scorch
Cause: Direct intense afternoon sun burns delicate leaves
Solution: Move containers to a spot with morning sun only; use shade cloth during peak heat hours.
Poor germination rate
Cause: Old seeds or seeds buried too deep
Solution: Use fresh seeds; surface sow and keep moist. Try cold-stratifying seeds for a week before sowing.
Perfect Plant Partners
Plants that grow well together.