Shiso Jeok Ssam Ip Korean Perilla (Perilla frutescens)

Shiso Jeok Ssam Ip Perilla Koreana (Perilla frutescens): A beautiful cultivar with bicolored leaves, light green on the upper surface and a deep wine-red underside. The leaves are large and thick, suitable for preparations like tempura and for wrapping ingredients requiring medium-long cooking. The aroma is also very intense, almost invasive; it is the most "overpowering" of the shiso varieties. It adapts very well to pots, but it is important to ensure adequate irrigation. Propagation from seeds is similar to basil but easier because the calyxes retain the seeds for a long time, even after drying.
Plant in full sun, water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Non-crispa Perilla varieties are rarely used in Japan, but are part of the culinary culture of Southeast Asia. They are therefore less delicate selections, but not inferior in terms of flavor. The name Jeok Ssam comes from the Korean word for "to wrap an ingredient," while IP refers to the bicolor variety. In Korea, the term Jeok SSam is used for Vietnamese shiso (Tia To), a term which is therefore common to all non-crispa varieties.
Cultivation is similar to other varieties; the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Of the Shiso varieties, this is the least demanding because it is less vigorous. The plant is not large, and is well suited to potting. Plus, its ornamental color will enhance your balconies as well as your dishes.