Jeok Ssam Shiso, Heirloom Perilla Seeds

Jeok Ssam Shiso, Heirloom Perilla Seeds — The Vietnamese Perilla With Minty, Citrus, Coriander Flavor and Striking Bicolor Leaves

Jeok Ssam Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a Vietnamese heirloom perilla with smaller leaves than Japanese varieties but a bigger, more complex flavor — bright and minty with hints of citrus and coriander. Deep green on top, deep red-purple on the underside. Equally at home in the kitchen and the ornamental garden, where its showy bicolor foliage makes a striking accent. Easy to grow, prolific through the season, and treasured in Asian cuisines for centuries. 70 days.

Why Grow Jeok Ssam Shiso?

• Vietnamese heirloom perilla — smaller leaves with more robust, complex flavor than Japanese varieties
• Minty, bright, citrus and coriander notes — a uniquely aromatic culinary herb
• Striking bicolor leaves — bright green top, deep red-purple underside; beautiful ornamental accent
• Traditional culinary herb — classic in Vietnamese seafood dishes, pickling, sushi, and wrapping
• Prolific through the season — harvest continuously from established plants
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen

Use younger, smaller leaves fresh in salads or as a garnish. Large leaves make excellent wraps — ssam-style — around grilled meats, rice, or seafood. Add to soups or cook as a side green. Use traditionally in Vietnamese seafood dishes including banh tom (shrimp cakes), thit heo nau (braised pork), and pickled preparations. Steam or pickle whole leaves. An excellent addition to sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes. Once plants start flowering, harvest and use immediately as flavor intensity decreases post-bolt.

Harvesting Tips

Begin harvesting once plants are established by cutting lower branches and removing leaves as needed. For a milder, bushier plant, pinch the growing tip when plants reach 4 inches tall — the plant will branch and re-grow, and this can be repeated throughout the season. Harvest before plants bolt and flower for peak flavor. Water generously during the main growing season for the best leaf production.

Growing Notes

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked after last frost in full sun with average, loamy soil. Broadcast seeds or sow ¼ inch deep — seeds need light to germinate. Keep soil moist. Once seedlings reach 3–4 inches tall, thin to 6 inches apart. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease pressure. Fertilize as needed. Can also be grown in containers.

Watch for: Damping off (avoid overwatering at seedling stage), leaf spot, clubroot (avoid overhead watering), aphids, leafminers, and slugs. Use standard pest control methods as needed.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.