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Red Shiso — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Red Shiso
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

80-85days to harvest

7-14 daysdays to germinate

Z10–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: Regular, evenly moist but not waterlogged
Soil: Well-draining loam, neutral pH
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 1-3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep red to burgundy
Shape: Broadly ovate to lance-shaped leaves
Flavour: Distinct cinnamon, clove, and cumin notes with minty, basil-like qualities and subtle peppery spice.

In the kitchen

Asian cooking, sushi, salad mix, radish pickles, umeboshi plums, fish dishes, rice, noodles, fresh herbs, edible flowers

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, spider mites, Japanese beetles
Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
10	January	February – April	—	April – December
11	January	January – March	—	March – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesShiso repels aphids and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes

PeppersMutual pest deterrent - shiso repels aphids while peppers don't compete for nutrients

EggplantShiso deters flea beetles and aphids that frequently damage eggplant

BasilBoth herbs repel similar pests and have compatible growing requirements

CucumbersShiso repels cucumber beetles and ants while providing beneficial ground cover

BeansBeans fix nitrogen which benefits shiso, while shiso repels bean beetles

LettuceShiso provides partial shade for cool-season lettuce and deters aphids

MarigoldsBoth plants repel nematodes and create a strong pest-deterrent combination

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone which is toxic to shiso and inhibits its growth

FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of most herbs including shiso

MintAggressive spreader that competes for space and nutrients, can overwhelm shiso

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbohydrate (g): 2.65
Fibre (g): 1.6
Sugars (g): 0.3
Vitamin A (µg): 264
Vitamin C (mg): 18
Vitamin E (mg): 0.8
Vitamin K (µg): 415
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.155
Folate (µg): 68
Calcium (mg): 177
Iron (mg): 3.17
Magnesium (mg): 64
Phosphorus (mg): 56
Potassium (mg): 295
Zinc (mg): 0.81
Selenium (µg): 0.3

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Red Shiso

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Red Shiso?

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