Short answer: sprinkle 5 to 10 g of red shiso seed on the surface of fine, moist soil in a 10 × 20 inch tray. Press it in but don't bury it. Keep it warm and damp, loosely covered, until it sprouts. Then give strong light for dark purple colour, water from below, and cut at 14 to 21 days.
What is red shiso?
Red shiso (Perilla frutescens) is an herb in the mint family. It's used in Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese cooking, often with sushi and pickled plums. As a microgreen, it grows small purple leaves with a mint-basil-cinnamon aroma. Sprouting.com gives it 14 to 21 days.1
How to grow shiso microgreens
- Day0
Sow on the surface
Sprinkle the seed over fine, moist soil. Press gently.
- Day0–7
Warm and damp
Cover loosely and mist daily. Keep it warm, around 70 to 75°F.
- Day7
Light
Uncover once seeds sprout. Give strong light for the best colour.
- Day14–21
Harvest
Cut above the soil once the purple leaves are open.
Tips for growing shiso microgreens
- Don't bury the seed. Shiso needs light contact to germinate well. Press it onto the surface.
- Keep it warm. Around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C) speeds the slow start.
- Use strong light after it sprouts. Light gives red shiso its dark purple colour.
- Grow a small tray. Shiso is slow and you only need a little for garnishes.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Very slow germination | Cool room or seed buried | Keep warm, surface-sow |
| Green, not purple, leaves | Low light | Stronger, closer light |
| Patchy tray | Seed dried out | Mist daily, keep loosely covered |
| Damping off | Wet soil, still air | Water from below, add airflow |
Red vs green shiso
Red shiso has purple leaves and a slightly earthier taste. Green shiso is brighter and more minty. Both are Perilla frutescens. Red shiso is the one used to colour Japanese pickled plums.
How chefs use shiso microgreens
A few purple leaves on sushi, sashimi or a raw fish crudo add colour and a mint-basil aroma. Shiso also suits cocktails, fruit salads, cold noodles and rice bowls. See why chefs use microgreens.
Shiso in drinks and desserts
Shiso's mint and cinnamon notes make it a lovely surprise outside savoury food.
- Lemonade and iced tea: muddle a few leaves into the glass.
- Cocktails: a classic with gin, sake or a mojito-style drink.
- Fruit: scatter over watermelon, peaches or strawberries.
- Sorbet and panna cotta: a few purple leaves as a garnish.
Storing and eating shiso microgreens
Use within 3 to 5 days. Shiso microgreens are a classic with sushi and sashimi, and lovely in cocktails, fruit salads and noodle dishes. See why chefs use microgreens.
Red shiso (perilla) FAQ
What does shiso taste like?
A mix of mint, basil and a hint of cinnamon, with a fresh, slightly spicy finish.
How long do shiso microgreens take?
About 14 to 21 days. Keep the seed warm and damp until it sprouts.
Is shiso the same as perilla?
Yes. Shiso is the Japanese name for Perilla frutescens. Red shiso has purple leaves.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
