How to Grow Shiso (Perilla) in New Zealand
Japanese herb with an anise-mint flavour in both green and red forms. Surface sow as the seed needs light, and a spell of chilling in the fridge before sowing improves germination. Self-seeds freely in the warm north, so pick leaves young for sashimi and salads.
When to plant shiso (perilla) in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
Best shiso (perilla) varieties for NZ
- Perilla Green (Shiso) — Aromatic green shiso with a slightly spicy, citrus-anise flavour, prized in Asian cooking. (Kings Seeds, Grow Yours)
- Perilla Purple (Red Shiso) — Deep red-purple leaves used for colour and flavour in salads and pickling. (Kings Seeds, Fairbanks Seeds)
- Perilla Bi-Colour — Green upper leaf with a purple underside, very ornamental in salads. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow shiso (perilla)
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 50 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow shiso (perilla) near: Eggplant, Tomato.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Shiso (Perilla) plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant shiso (perilla) in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy shiso (perilla) seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Grow Yours, Fairbanks Seeds.