How to Grow Bi-color Perilla
Bi-color Perilla
Perilla frutescens var. crispa
herbBi-color Perilla is an ornamental and culinary herb featuring striking foliage with deep purple undersides and green upper surfaces, creating a dramatic two-toned effect. Native to Asia, this tender annual produces distinctive crinkled leaves and small purple or white flowers. It is prized in Asian cuisines and as a striking accent plant in gardens and containers.
When should you plant Bi-color Perilla in your zone?
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Example Bi-color Perilla timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bi-color Perilla
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bi-color Perilla
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bi-color Perilla dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as a warm-season annual in zones 5-10; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Get my Bi-color Perilla timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge with simple green leaves. True leaves begin to show slight purple tones on undersides.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and moist. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops distinctive crinkled, textured foliage with increasingly prominent purple undersides contrasting with green upper surfaces. Bushy growth habit expands.
Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Remove flower buds if focusing on foliage. Fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall purple, violet, or white flower spikes emerge at branch tips. Plants remain ornamental and can still be harvested for culinary use.
Pinch off flowers if you want to extend the productive foliage harvest period. Allow some flowers to remain for pollination if self-seeding is desired.
Seed Production
2-3 weeksFlowers fade and small seed capsules develop. Seeds mature and dry on the plant, turning from green to brown or black.
Allow seeds to dry completely on the plant for seed saving. Leave plants undisturbed if you want self-seeding for next season.
Harvest & End of Season
Until first frostPlant begins to decline as fall temperatures drop (below 50°F kills frost-tender plant). Foliage quality may diminish.
Harvest leaves aggressively before the first frost. Seeds can be collected for next year's planting. Clean up plant debris to prevent self-seeding (if invasive in your area).
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning or use neem oil spray; row covers on young plants; Japanese beetle traps at distance from plants
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; yellow sticky traps; improve air circulation
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Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; neem oil or miticide if severe
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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and
Hand-pick; beer traps; copper barriers; diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Asian Cuisine & Flavoring
CulinaryBi-color Perilla leaves are essential in Japanese and Korean cuisine, used in sushi, pickled preparations, tempura, and as a wrap for meat dishes. The leaves provide a unique minty, slightly anise-like flavor with subtle spice. [source]
Leaf Pickling & Preservation
CulinaryFresh or blanched Perilla leaves are traditionally pickled with salt and other seasonings, creating a condiment that stores well and enhances rice dishes and other preparations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalUsed in traditional Asian medicine to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate allergic symptoms. Contains perillaldehyde and other compounds with antimicrobial properties. [source]
Garden Accent & Container Plant
OrnamentalThe striking bi-color foliage makes it an excellent ornamental specimen in beds, borders, and containers. The dramatic purple and green contrasting leaves add visual interest and depth to garden designs. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small purple flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to gardens supporting local pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting individual leaves once the plant is 8-12 inches tall, pinching from the top to encourage bushiness. Harvest frequently to promote more leaf production and delay flowering. Young, tender leaves are most flavorful for culinary use. In Asian cuisine, harvest before flowering for best texture and taste. Leaves can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season until the first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bi-color Perilla is considered invasive in some regions of North America because it readily self-seeds; gardeners in these areas should deadhead flowers and dispose of plants in sealed bags rather than compost.
- 🌱 The plant's distinctive minty, slightly spicy flavor makes it a staple in Japanese cuisine where the leaves are often served with sashimi, called 'shiso' in Japanese.
- 🌱 Perilla contains high levels of perillaldehyde, a compound that gives the plant its characteristic aroma and has been studied for potential anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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