Perilla 'Dark Night' / 'Purple'

This typical Asian flavouring plant has a distinctive, pungent aroma and a complex taste, combining the characteristics of basil, coriander, fennel and mint. Use the leaves in salads, or in roasted and stir-fried dishes. The leaves are serrated along the edges and somewhat resemble nettle leaves. This deep-red-leaved variety adds contrasting colour to fresh salads, but also a decorative effect in ornamental and kitchen gardens! 

Spicy, aromatic leaves, originating from the Far East. Grow in a warm spot outdoors or in a greenhouse. The appearance is nettle-like, with serrated leaves, which are eaten raw in dishes or stewed. If the leaves are harvested 20 cm above the ground, the plant can be harvested for a long time through regrowth.

This variety is also grown as microgreens (for the young plant with cotyledons or the first true leaves). Microgreens are grown on moisture-retaining material (kitchen roll, cotton wool, soil). Keep it dark and warm for germination, then light and cooler after germination.

Beautiful red sprouts with a delicious, subtle, nutty flavour. They grow best in a thin layer of seed compost in a bright place. Give them plenty of warmth for good germination. When thinning, harvest some of the plants and allow a few to continue growing; then plant them in a larger pot.

Names:
Latin: Perilla frutescens
Dutch: Perilla
Also known as: Tiato, Shiso, Japanese Mint, Japanese Basil, Beefsteak Plant
English: Beefsteak Plant