Beefsteak Plant, Shiso, Red Perilla
Perillafrutescens 'Akashiso'

Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Perilla (per-IL-uh)
Species: frutescens (froo-TESS-enz)
Cultivar: Akashiso
Additional cultivar information: (aka Aka-shiso)

Category
Annuals
Herbs

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Shiny/Glossy

Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon

Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
Not Applicable

Where to Grow

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color
Pink
Lavender
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed