How to Grow Purple Perilla Akajiso
Wikimedia Commons
Purple Perilla Akajiso
Perilla frutescens var. crispa
herbPurple Perilla Akajiso is an aromatic Asian herb with deeply ruffled, iridescent purple leaves that are prized in Japanese and Korean cuisines. The plant produces delicate pink or purple flowers and has a distinctive spicy, slightly minty flavor profile. It's an annual that self-seeds readily and grows quickly, making it an excellent addition to culinary and ornamental gardens.
When should you plant Purple Perilla Akajiso in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Purple Perilla Akajiso timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Purple Perilla Akajiso
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Purple Perilla Akajiso
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Perilla Akajiso dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, grown as warm-season annual; performs best in zones 6-8
Sign up free to see if Purple Perilla Akajiso grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Purple Perilla Akajiso timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first true leaves emerging, purple coloration beginning to develop
Keep soil moist and provide bright indirect light. Maintain warmth (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing once established.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksRapid growth with characteristic deeply ruffled purple foliage becoming more prominent; bushy plant structure developing
Pinch off growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Remove any flower buds if growing primarily for leaves. Water consistently and provide adequate sunlight for deep purple coloration.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches mature height (18-36 inches); leaves fully developed with maximum color and texture; flower buds forming at stem tips
Continue regular harvesting of leaves to delay flowering and encourage continued foliage production. Side-dress with compost if desired for vigor.
Flowering
3-4 weeksDelicate pink, purple, or white flower spikes emerging from leaf axils; plant may slow leaf production slightly
Decide whether to allow flowering for seeds or continue pinching buds for leaves. Flowers are edible and attractive; bees love them.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksFlowers mature into seed pods containing small black seeds; plant energy shifts toward reproduction
Allow plants to fully mature if collecting seeds. Let seed pods dry on plant, then harvest and store in cool, dry location. Self-seeds prolifically if allowed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick beetles in early morning, use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe
-
Spray with strong water jet, use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs; organic spinosad if needed
-
Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or miticide in severe cases; improve air circulation
-
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
-
and
Remove debris and mulch where they hide, use copper barriers, hand-pick at night, diatomaceous earth
Uses
Japanese Cuisine
CulinaryPurple Perilla leaves are essential in Japanese cuisine, used fresh in sushi, sashimi, and as garnish (called Akajiso), or pickled as a condiment (Umeboshi paste). The distinctive spicy-minty flavor complements raw fish and rice dishes beautifully. [source]
Korean and Asian Cooking
CulinaryKnown as Kkaennip in Korean cuisine, the leaves are grilled, stuffed with fillings, pickled, or used in soups and stir-fries. The leaves provide an aromatic, peppery note to dishes. [source]
Traditional Asian Medicine
MedicinalUsed in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to support respiratory health, digestion, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The essential oils contain compounds with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]
Natural Dye and Pigment
HouseholdThe deep purple pigments can be extracted to create natural dyes for textiles, paper crafts, and food coloring in traditional applications. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. [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 pinching off leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall; harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering. For culinary use, harvest in the morning after dew dries for maximum flavor. Leaves are best when young and tender (4-6 weeks from planting). For seeds, allow plants to flower and mature fully, then collect dried seed pods in late summer/fall. Entire stems can be harvested at once for processing into Akajiso paste or pickles.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Perilla is invasive in some regions of North America because of its prolific self-seeding ability; it's considered an invasive species in parts of the United States, so responsible deadheading or removal of seed pods may be necessary to prevent unwanted spread.
- 🌱 The leaves contain a compound called perillaldehyde, which has a unique tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue similar to Szechuan peppercorns, and is used in traditional medicine and modern food science research.
- 🌱 Perilla has been cultivated in Asia for over 2,000 years and is so revered in Japanese culture that there are numerous cultivated varieties with slightly different flavors, colors, and leaf textures, each prized for specific culinary applications.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Purple Perilla Akajiso planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Purple Perilla Akajiso seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Purple Perilla Akajiso timeline →