Perilla frutescens

It is in flower from from mid to late summer, and the seeds ripen in early autumn. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.

Plant in light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and it prefers well-drained soil, in a site where the plants will get at least 6 hours of sun a day.. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. Water freely during dry periods.

Fill a seed tray with seed compost,water and allow to drain. Sprinkle seeds over the surface allowing roughly 25mm space between seeds and cover with a thin layer of compost. Put tray in a clear polythene bag and place on a windowsill. When seedlings show remove plastic bag. When the second pair of leaves appear on the seedlings thin out to 50mm spacing by removing the weakest looking plants. After 2 or 3 weeks and when danger of frost has passed plants can then be planted outside into required position.