Perilla

It's a staple in both sushi rolls and ornamental gardens. The foliage plant shiso (Perilla frutescens), also known simply as perilla, grows as an annual warm-season herb.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep soil consistently moist to encourage lush leaf growth.

FERTILIZER: Perilla prefers slightly acidic soil, which registers as a pH level of about 5.0 to 6.5.

FLOWERING: The flowers are generally pink, red or white, but new cultivars have introduced tones of purple and lavender and mixed blooms such as pink with red centers.

SOIL: Mulch around perilla plants with fine wood chips, pine needles, or other materials. Lay the mulch around the seedlings in a 2-inch layer. Keep the mulch about 3 inches from the base of the plants to discourage burrowing pests.

DISEASE: Not common, contact grower for details.