Family: Lamiaceae
Scientific name: Perilla frutescens
Common name: Korrean perilla
Origin: Southeast Asia
An annual plant with very aromatic leaves that taste like a combination of mint and apple. The species belongs to the mint family, and grows originally in the suptropical areas of Southeast Asia. In the Korean kitchen the leaves are known as deulkklae, but also the seeds can be used in all kinds of dishes. Many recipes of Korean, Chinese, Indian and Japanese dishes with Perilla can be found on the internet. The plant can be kept as an annual plant in the garden or inside the house, and the leaves can already be picked after a few months. Depending on the amount of leaves harvested, the plant can grow up to a height of 60-90 cm, and produces small white flowers. If the main stalk is pruned, the plant produces more lateral stalks and therefore more edible leaves.
Sowing description: First put seeds in the fridge for a few weeks and then sow in sowing soil. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist and allow to germinate at 20-25grC. Germination usually occurs after a few weeks. If the seeds do not germinate, they can possibly be placed back in the fridge and then put back in a warm place.
Sowing time: Whole year inside, march-may for cultivation in the garden.
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: 8 degrees Celsius
