How to Grow Shiso Sumire
Shiso Sumire
Perilla frutescens var. crispa
herbShiso Sumire is a distinctive Japanese culinary herb with deeply ruffled, purple-tinged leaves and an aromatic, complex flavor profile. It's a variety of perilla that combines the culinary uses of traditional shiso with ornamental appeal. The plant is prized in Japanese cuisine for its leaves, seeds, and flowers.
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Example Shiso Sumire timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Shiso Sumire
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 Shiso Sumire
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Shiso Sumire dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; best in zones 6-8
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with simple oval cotyledons; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart when they have 2-3 true leaves
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops characteristic deeply ruffled, wrinkled leaves with purple tones. Stems become sturdy and branching begins
Pinch off top growth regularly to encourage bushier, fuller plant. Water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pre-Flowering
3-4 weeksPlant reaches mature size (18-36 inches tall), leaves are fully developed with deep ruffles, and flower buds begin to form at branch tips
Continue regular harvesting of outer leaves to delay flowering and encourage leaf production. Monitor for pests. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive vegetative growth at expense of flavor
Flowering & Seed Development
4-6 weeksSmall purple or lavender flowers bloom on terminal spikes; seeds develop within bracts after flowering. Leaves may become slightly tougher
Harvest flowers and seeds for culinary use if desired. Pinch off flowers if you want to extend leaf production. Allow some flowers to remain if you want to collect seeds at season's end
Harvest & End of Season
Until frost or season's endPlant fully mature, offering maximum leaf harvest. As temperatures cool in fall, growth slows and plant eventually dies back (in non-tropical zones)
Continue harvesting leaves through fall frost. In cooler zones, expect plant to die after first frost. In warmer zones (8+), may overwinter or self-seed. Collect mature seeds before plant senescence
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil if infestation is heavy
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Uses
Fresh Leaf Garnish & Sushi Wrap
CulinaryShiso Sumire leaves add distinctive, aromatic flavor to sushi, sashimi, and raw fish preparations. The beautiful purple leaves serve both as a flavor component and an elegant garnish in Japanese and modern Asian cuisine. [source]
Seasoning & Flavoring
CulinarySeeds and leaves can be used to flavor rice, soups, pickled vegetables, and tea. The complex flavor profile is peppery, slightly minty, and aromatic, adding depth to many dishes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalIn traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine, shiso is used to support digestion and respiratory health. The leaves contain essential oils with potential antimicrobial properties. [source]
Natural Dye Plant
HouseholdThe purple coloring in the leaves can be extracted and used as a natural dye for fabrics and crafts, producing shades of purple and burgundy. [source]
Garden Beauty
OrnamentalShiso Sumire's deeply ruffled, colorful foliage makes it an attractive ornamental addition to herb gardens, vegetable beds, and container gardens, combining culinary utility with visual appeal. [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 outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall (about 4-6 weeks from planting). Pinch off 2-3 leaves at a time from the top to encourage bushiness. Leaves are tender and most flavorful before flowering. For seeds, allow flowers to mature and collect seed pods when they turn brown and papery. Harvest flowers when they just open for delicate flavor
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Shiso Sumire is known as 'beefsteak plant' in some regions because the deeply ruffled leaves resemble texture of raw meat, and their color intensifies in full sun.
- 🌱 The name 'shiso' is derived from the Japanese word, and this herb has been cultivated in East Asia for over 2,000 years, valued in both cuisine and traditional medicine.
- 🌱 Shiso Sumire can be invasive in some climates—it self-seeds readily, so deadhead flowers if you want to control spread, or grow in containers for easy management.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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