Looking for Shiso AKA Perilla
 

Hi guys,

I am looking for Shiso (Perilla) seeds, or the plant itself... I can't seem to find any local places that carry it.
Anyone know of any places that have it, or have experience growing it?

Thanks in advance!

My mom used to grow shiso, but the purple-leafed variant. I don't know where she got it from but I know she bought it in Chinatown and eventually grew her own in our back yard. This was ages ago so I'm afraid I can't point you in the right direction. I know you can possibly buy them at Vietnamese grocery stores, but I may be wrong. In fact, I think I am. :D

Edit: Here you go - http://www.agrohaitai.com/herb/perilla/perilla.htm or try Fujiya.

You may want to contact Beverly Wu if she has successfully grown any. She mentioned it in this link: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/fo...d.php?p=286036

Awesome, thanks for the advice!

I am looking for purple shiso (akajiso) to grow...
i've tried fujiya, they don't carry the seeds but may get the plant late may or early summer.
I've talked to a few people who've grown it in Vancouver, and from what i've heard, it's a very easy, low-maintenance herb to grow.
I bartend, and use green shiso leaves in my twist on a mojito - i substitute the mint for shiso.
come try it at Hapa Izakaya in Yaletown if you like shiso - i've been getting great feedback for the drink.
i'd love to try it with purple shiso though, it'd add another element to the drink with the vibrant purple color... and it'd be even better if i grew it myself!

Anyways, i've ordered some shiso seeds (both green and purple) from Amazon, though people who've bought them before have left bad reviews about it; a lot of people couldn't grow the herb from the seeds even in the best condition.

I am still looking for local places that sell shiso seeds or the herb itself, so if you see it anywhere, gimme a heads up!

Thanks guys.

^
Since you work at Hapa Izakaya Yaletown, you must know Miyuki! My girlfriend went to SFU with her and are good friends! We were at her engagement party not long ago. Small world! :)

Let me check with my mom if she's got any growing in the backyard. If she's got some, I should be able to give you a pod or something to start your own collection. And from what I recall, yes, extremely low maintenance. All she did was let them grow on their own. :D

Edit: I love ika shiso. :D

Pm'd you.

Yup, I've worked with Miyuki before - she's an awesome girl!
Did you come to Hapa Robson for the engagement party, or Bar None? or another party? coz i was there for both of those!

Thanks for the help!

I lived in North Van a while back but i never even knew this store existed - i gotta check it out.
I called 'em and asked if they carry shiso - they said it's been a cold spring so they haven't started growing them yet this season, they should be available later this month.

Thanks for the info!

They have them right now at h-mart Coquitlam. Yes it's purple shiso.
I just bought 3 plants yesterday. Going to sick them in the ground this afternoon.

They've been in business there for over 6 years I think. If you live in north van and order around $30-50, they offer delivery as well for some crazy low fee. Hiroko is awesome.

It's super awesome if you're into the organic stuff. They also have full organic lunches for under $9 with soup.

Awesome!!
I'll try stopping by, thanks!
Lemme know how your shiso turns out.
Do you grow any other herbs/vegetables?

Shiso is insanely easy to grow. Were you looking for the plant or the seeds?

Both, actually.

I've never grown anything before - I was hoping to get my hands on the plant first, just coz half the work is done right from the go.
Once i get the hang of things, i'll grow from seeds.
I really have no clue what to do - I need to do some research on how to grow different herbs and plants (how much water they need, what kind of soil to use, how much sun they need...etc), and also how to harvest.

Does anyone grow any herbs or plants here?
It'd be great to get some advice and inspiration.

I grow bay, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, sage, cilantro, green onions, mint, rosemary, pineapple sage, tarragon, shiso.

Out of that list, only basil is a wimp.
All the others grow like weeds.

Sun, moderate is good, lots is better.
If it's hot in summer, I'll water once every other day our doesn't rain.

In terms of harvest, i just run out with scissors when i need stuff.
Ask if you have any questions.

Don't be discouraged and just stick them in the ground.

Fujiya should be carrying both green & red varieties soon. They usually sell the plants in spring.

Thanks for the help guys!
I haven't had any luck finding any locally, but i've ordered some seeds online.... waiting for em to come in.
I'll keep you guys posted!

I'm actually totally new at this "growing stuff" thing myself.
I just started last year. Didn't do any research either.


Basil would be the one wimpy plant I have.
It likes warm and sunny and shouldn't ever be dehydrated.
It'll also die right at the beginning of the cold snap. I didn't bring it inside in time.


All the other herbs I have grown are practically invincible.
Most are in my north facing backyard, so they already aren't in the best spot as they don't get a great amount of sun.
I'm not even sure you'd call what I have a "garden", it's more like an old flower bed area I repurposed to grow these herbs.
My old tenant bought some sea soil and mixed in into the existing soil. Nothing really fancy.
If your soil is dry and powdery and won't soak up water, then you've got a problem, otherwise, you'll be fine with whatever you've got. Nicer soil is probably just a bonus to your herbs.

I've left everything in the ground outside over this past winter without any special prep.
The oregano went kaput, but it's back now.
The parsley, didn't make it, neither did the dill.
But the rosemary, thyme, bay, sage and green onions just kept on growing, even in the dead of winter.

In terms of care in the summer, I water stuff every other day (when it's really hot outside).
Aside from that, you'll literally have to work at it to kill herbs.


The only special note I would make is that the mint family (lemon balm too) spreads and grows crazy fast.
Figure how much you want and put it in a pot that size so you end up with a garden full of mint.

I bought a small container of purple shiso from an herb farmer at the Trout Lake farmers market 3 years ago and its still growing with the absolutely minimal tlc. I dont even give it direct sunlight - it sits on my desk. The market starts back up on May 12, you may want to ask around then... though I wouldn't expect to find it until June

thanks guys! great advice.
my seeds just arrived so i'll plant em tomorrow - i'll keep you guys updated!

Purple and green shiso seen at fujiya today. If anyone is wondering.

Bump.

Tried the mojito @ Hapa Izakaya Coal Harbour last night. Pretty damn good! :D