How to Grow Perilla Frutescens

Find a planting site for the Perilla frutescens in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil. The leaves turn to darker colors in full sunlight and typically remain green in shadier planting sites.

Enrich the planting area with 2 or more inches of organic matter, such as peat moss and compost. Cultivate these into the top 6 inches of soil before planting.

Sow two Perilla frutescens seeds 1/4-inch deep every 18 inches. Dampen the soil and watch for seedlings to emerge in seven to 14 days.

Thin to one Perilla frutescens per spot when seedlings reach 3 inches tall. Add a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the planting area to discourage weeds. Don’t put the mulch within two to three inches of the plant’s stem to avoid encouraging rot.

Pinch the tips of the Perilla frutescens stems to encourage a bushier growth pattern. Pinch off the flowers that appear in the end of summer if you want to prevent the abundance of seeds that follow, unless you are growing the plant for the seeds.

Supply 1 inch of water weekly to the Perilla frutescens from spring to fall. Use supplemental watering in the absence of rainfall.

Feed the Perilla frutescens with a balanced fertilizer each month during the growing season. Follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging for amounts. Water the area well after applying the fertilizer.