When to Plant Perilla Seeds

Direct sow in late winter/late spring or late summer/autumn. Indoor sow Perilla seeds 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost in your zone.

Where to Plant Perilla Seeds

Plant your Perilla in well-draining but moist soil in a partially sunny to full sunny area.

How to Plant Perilla Seeds

Indoor sow by surface sowing the seeds in pots or rays and do not cover – just tamp into soil. Perilla seeds need light to germinate. Water from beneath as not to wash away seeds and cover with plastic. Cold stratify seeds – Perilla seeds need cold weather to break down germination inhibitors. Either place newly sown pots or flats in the refrigerator for 1-3 months or place them outside against a north wall and leave them there until the spring. Keep soil moist. You can also place seeds in a bag and store in a refrigerator if not to be planted soon.

How to Harvest Perilla

Germination takes 7-14 days depending on the light and soil temperatures. Seedlings can be thinned to transplanted when they have several sets of mature leaves.