How Do You Grow Shiso?
Updated on
September 18, 2023
Growing Shiso
Shiso or Chrysanthemum Japonicus is a beautiful vine with delicate, heart-shaped leaves and striking scarlet flowers. It is one of the most commonly grown pachacutrias in the United States and the world over. If you’re wondering how to grow shiso, let us explain. Shiso thrives on lime and well-drained soil that can be acidic or neutral. The best time to plant this vine is from June through October, as it does not require much maintenance throughout the year.
How Do You Grow Shiso?
1. Choose the right location
Select a sunny spot for your shiso plants with well-draining soil. Shiso thrives in warm climates but can also be grown indoors in pots.
2. Start from seeds
Sow shiso seeds directly into the ground or start them in seed trays indoors and transplant them later. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
3. Proper spacing
Space your shiso plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding. This spacing ensures optimal growth and reduces the risk of diseases.
4. Watering
Water shiso plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture.
5. Fertilization
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season to provide essential nutrients. Follow package instructions for dosage and frequency.
6. Harvesting
You can start harvesting shiso leaves once the plants have reached a height of 6-8 inches. Gently pluck the outer leaves to encourage continuous growth.
7. Pests and diseases
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, slugs, and flea beetles. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or companion planting, to deter them. Watch for signs of diseases like powdery mildew and treat promptly if detected.
8. Pruning and maintenance
Regularly pinch back the growing tips to encourage a bushier growth habit. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves to maintain plant health.
9. Saving seeds
If you want to save shiso seeds for future planting, allow a few plants to flower and set seed. Harvest the seeds once the flower heads start to dry and store them in a cool, dry place.
10. Culinary uses
Experiment with using fresh shiso leaves in sushi rolls, salads, and stir-fries. The unique fragrance and flavor of shiso add a delightful twist to your culinary creations.
Remember, when growing shiso, patience and proper care are essential for a successful harvest. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the bountiful rewards of your own homegrown shiso!
How To Grow Shiso From Seed
This method for growing shiso is ideal for those who are looking for a quicker start. It is also useful if you live in a warmer climate and want to grow it indoors. You can grow shiso from seed indoors in about three weeks. The seeds should be planted at the same depth as the soil in which they were grown in, which means you should sow them 8-10 inches apart. once the shiso seeds have sprouted, they should be kept warm until they acangrow outside. the best temperature for this is around 65°f. make sure that your shiso plants get sunlight and water regularly while they are growing. it is a good idea to water them once a week. if you are growing shiso indoors, you should sow the seeds in pots in late march or early april. when they have sprouted, the plants should be placed in the same temperature and light conditions as they experienced in their original pot. if you are growing shiso outdoors, sow the seed in early summer or late spring. the seeds should be planted at the same depth as the soil in which they were grown in, which means you should sow them 8-10 inches apart.
How To Grow Shiso In A Garden Bed
garden bed preparation is important for any vine or vegetable growing. choose a well-drained, fertile area for your shiso garden. it’s also important to consider that your soil should be acidic and slightly alkaline with a ph of 6.0-6.9. since shiso is a vine, a trellis or a fence is required to support the plant. select a bed that is 6-8 feet wide and as long as your space allows. dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the bed. soil is a good fertilizer and can be used to add nutrients to your garden bed. it is advisable to add aged manure to your soil because it has beneficial minerals, organic matter, and microbes that improve the taste and nutrition of your produce. there are many organic fertilizers on the market. you can also add compost or floral mulch to your bed to improve soil conditions and increase water retention. rise the bed so that it is at least 6 inches above the surrounding ground.
How To Grow Shiso In A Pot
if you are looking to grow shiso in pots, it is important to choose the right pot for this purpose. the best pots for growing shiso are clay pots because they regulate the temperature, retain moisture, and prevent weeds from growing in your shiso garden. the soil of shiso should be well-drained and slightly acidic. if your soil is too heavy or too moist, it will inhibit the growth of your shiso plant. the best potting soil for growing shiso is a mix of soil, peat moss, and compost. the soil should be 70% of the mix and the rest of the pot should be filled with water until it is 30% of the pot’s capacity. it is best to water your shiso regularly so that the soil has enough moisture. the best time to transplant shiso is during the day so that it has enough time to dry out before it is placed in the night light. it is best to use a clay pot for your shiso. you can also grow shiso in a seed tray.
How Do You Know If Your Shiso Is Healthy?
you can easily tell if your shiso is healthy by looking at the leaves and flowers of the plant. if the leaves look pale and the stems are skinny, the plant is not doing well. healthy shiso plants produce vibrant green leaves and flowers with very little or no yellowing. if you remove a leaf or a flower and gently rub it between your thumb and index finger, you should feel a little bit of moisture. if the plant has too much water in its soil, the leaves will be wet and feel very soft. if the leaf feels hard, your shiso is getting enough water. healthy shiso plants also have little to no soil on their leaves.
The Future Of Shiso: A Breakdown Of Its Potential And Risks
the future of shiso can be exciting for many reasons. for starters, it has the potential to become a fully-fledged superfood thanks to its diverse health benefits. moreover, the plant is gaining popularity because of its delicious flavor, long history of cultivation, and sustainable cultivation practices. for those who are curious about the health benefits of shiso, let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of this delicious herb. one of the main health benefits of shiso is that it can help you fight against cancer. the flavonoids present in shiso have the potential to help prevent and treat various cancers. the best way to reap these benefits is by drinking shiso tea. for example, shiso tea can help you fight against mouth and throat cancers due to the presence of isothiocyanates and flavonoids.
FAQ
1. What is Shiso?
Shiso, also known as Perilla or Japanese basil, is a popular herb that is commonly used in Asian cooking. It has a unique flavor profile that is both minty and basil-like, with hints of spice and citrus. Shiso leaves are often used in salads, sushi, and as a garnish.
2. What are the different varieties of Shiso?
There are two main varieties of Shiso: Green Shiso (Ao-jiso) and Red/Purple Shiso (Akajiso). Green Shiso has vibrant green leaves, while Red/Purple Shiso has deep purple leaves. Both varieties are equally tasty and easy to grow.
3. How do I grow Shiso?
To grow Shiso, start by selecting a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7-14 days. Thin the seedlings to about 8-12 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation.
4. When is the best time to plant Shiso?
Shiso is a warm-weather herb and grows best in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed in the spring. You can also start Shiso seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
5. How often should I water Shiso?
Shiso prefers consistently moist soil, so it's essential to water it regularly. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely, as it can stress the plants.
6. How long does it take for Shiso to grow?
Shiso is a fast-growing herb, and you can typically start harvesting the leaves within 60-70 days after sowing the seeds. However, you can begin harvesting individual leaves for immediate use once the plant has grown significantly, usually around 4-6 weeks after planting.
7. Can Shiso be grown in containers?
Yes, Shiso can be successfully grown in containers, making it a great choice for those with limited space. Choose a container at least 10 inches deep to allow the roots to spread. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and use well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location and water as needed.
8. How do I store harvested Shiso leaves?
To store harvested Shiso leaves, gently wrap them in a damp paper towel or place them in a perforated plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to one week. Another option is to freeze the leaves by placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Remember to check your local gardening regulations and the specific needs of the Shiso variety you are growing for the best results. Happy gardening and enjoy your fresh Shiso leaves in various dishes!
Shiso is a delicious herb with heart-shaped leaves and scarlet flowers that is commonly grown in Asian gardens. It thrives on well-drained soil that can be acidic or neutral, and it can be grown indoors or outdoors. the best time to plant this vine is from june through october, as it does not require much maintenance throughout the year. when growing shiso in a pot, you should choose a pot with good drainage. you can also grow shiso in a garden bed, but you should dig the bed and plant the seeds at the same depth as the soil in which they were grown. when growing shiso from seed, you should sow the seeds at the correct depth and keep the soil temperature, light conditions, and moisture levels consistent during the growing process. you can also grow shiso in a pot or a tray. shiso can fight against cancer and is a great source of antioxidants, so it is worth growing in your garden.
