Botanical name
Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Family
Labiatae
Spacing
61 cm (24″) apart. Grows to 40-100 cm (16-39″) tall
Depth
Plant seeds 13 mm (½”) deep
Requirements
Full sun to partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Germination
Seeds will sprout outside in 14-20 days
Pests
Mint rust, powdery mildew, leaf spot
Timing
Start indoors in early spring, or direct sow outdoors in late spring, once night time temperatures are steadily above 8°C (45°F).
Growing
Water regularly. Pinch growing tips for bushier plants with more leaves.
Harvest
Pick leaves throughout the summer; harvest the flowering tops in late summer. As autumn approaches, harvest the seeds for planting next spring.
Season
Warm. Perennial, but grown here as an annual.
