How to Grow Japanese Perilla or Shiso

Begin processing the Japanese perilla seeds one week before sowing them. Wrap the seeds in a moistened paper towel and place the paper towel inside a sealable plastic bag. Store the seeds in a refrigerator for one week to cold stratify them.

Combine equal parts compost and potting soil. Fill small, 3- to 4-inch peat pots with the mixture.

Place the peat pots on a nursery tray before moistening the soil since the pots become fragile once wet. Water each pot of soil with 1/8 cup of water.

Sow two Japanese perilla seeds in each pot by pressing the seeds into the surface of the soil. Sprinkle a scant layer of sand over each pot to anchor the seeds while providing plenty of light to prompt germination.

Place the nursery tray of peat pots on a warming mat set to between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide them with a source of bright light.

Mist the Japanese perilla seeds with a spray bottle every few days to keep the top 1/4 inch of soil moist at all times. Watch for germination in one to two weeks. Thin the seedlings to one per pot once they produce a set of mature leaves.

Plant the peat pots outdoors in full sun or partial shade once the seedlings reach at least 4 inches in height and have two or three sets of mature leaves. Space the plants 3 feet apart to provide ample room.