Perilla plant is an oilseed crop from the Lamiaceae family. It is very similar to basil, but they have certain differences. The surface of the leaves of the perilla is warm and somewhat rough to the touch. Their color can be completely different - from green to purple.
The variety of color shades allows the use of perilla not only as a useful, but also an ornamental plant. The flowers are very similar to brushes and are located on short pedicels.
Features of the plant
The perilla plant, the photo of which demonstrates its peculiarity, belongs to fragrant and medicinal herbs. It is very rich in essential oils and complexes of organic acids. It is worth noting that the alkaloids that make up the plant have a very mild effect, so they are not dangerous or poisonous.
Basic Features
Many gardeners grow it in their gardens, as it is highly valued for its decorative and useful qualities. The perilla plant has qualities such as:
- decorative;
- presence of antioxidants;
- manynutrients.
This plant has decorative properties, as the different color of the leaves attracts many gardeners. This color is due to the presence of the pigment substance perillamin. When planting a plant, there is no doubt that it will delight with its beauty. It can look very good in flowerpots, as well as borders, next to tall plants. Will be a very good background for flowering plants. Leaves can be used in various flower arrangements.
The useful properties of the perilla plant are due to the content of many vitamins, minerals, and essential oils. By the amount of carotene, it is many times greater than even carrots.
This is a very good antioxidant, so it can be a good substitute for painkillers, diaphoretics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Using the plant
The scope of the perilla plant is very different, and it is related to its qualities. Its decorative properties help to apply it in landscape design, namely:
- flower arrangements are made with the addition of leaves;
- rockeries are being created at their summer cottage;
- can be grown in flowerpots decorating country houses.
Essential oils contained in large quantities in the leaves and seeds of the plant, allow it to be widely used in alternative medicine. Perilla decoction has a calming effect on respiratory diseases. In addition, it can be an excellent diuretic, helps with abdominal pain, foodpoisoning.
Varieties with green leaves are the most tender. Red-leaved species have tougher leaves, but they are very beautiful and decorate flower beds throughout the summer. Suitable as a natural color for drinks and marinades.
All varieties of leaves can be used as a spice. Aromas differ in their types, so lemon, cinnamon, pepper and anise notes are present in taste and aroma.
Leaves can be put in tea and other drinks, added to second courses, salads and pickles. Young greens can be pickled and fermented in order to fully preserve the beneficial qualities and vitamins. In Japan, the plant is used as a sweetener. It is worth remembering that prolonged contact with perilla can provoke dermatitis.
What varieties exist
After studying the description of the perilla plant, one can be convinced that, despite the fact that it is called a shrub, it is herbaceous. It also has many other names. The list of plant species of the perilla genus is very wide, they differ in leaf color. Among the most popular varieties is Green Cumin, which has green lush foliage with cumin and cinnamon flavors.
Green Aojiso has a delicate ginger flavor and is often used as a condiment for sashimi. The large leaves of Korean perilla are used as food wraps and are also added to salads. You can also use the seeds as a seasoning.
There are also other typesperilla plants, which are widely used in cooking, medicine and landscaping.
How to choose the right seeds
When growing a perilla plant, it is worth remembering that there are only 2 of its varieties. One of them is required to obtain oil from seeds, but it is of little interest to gardeners, since the seeds do not always fully ripen, and it is very difficult to make oil on your own. Most of these varieties are grown commercially.
Because more often grow a vegetable variety of perilla, presented in a wide variety. It is worth purchasing seeds from reliable, trusted companies, while paying attention to the name and characteristics.
Planting seedlings
In the southern regions, the seeds of the perilla plant can be planted directly in the beds, and it is quite possible to do this even for the winter. In this case, it can also occur by self-seeding. In cooler regions, seeds often do not ripen, and it is best to plant with seedlings.
If conditions permit, then seedlings can be grown as early as February, but it is best to wait until early April. Seeds will germinate much better if, before sowing, they are soaked for several days in water, which must be changed daily. At the same time, wet seeds should periodically receive air access. After that, it is advisable to dig them a little in slightly damp sand or keep them in the refrigerator for a week. However, perilla often sprouts well without pre-soaking.
For sowing, it is best to take light soil, and the boxes should have holes so that excess moisture leaves quickly and easily. Perilla should be sown thickly so that weak plants can be easily removed later. Perilla seeds after planting, it is advisable to sprinkle a little soil on top and put in a warm place. You can leave them open - for better access to light. On the windowsill, the air temperature should be approximately 20-25 degrees. The first shoots appear literally in 1-2 weeks. The sprouts are very reminiscent of basil.
When the first sprouts appear, you need to sprinkle them a little with sand and moisten. This procedure can be repeated several more times. After the appearance of the first 2-3 leaves, the seedlings can be transplanted into separate cups. Do not plant perilla in a common box, as when planting in the soil, the root system can be damaged. It can be planted in the ground already in early June.
Transplanting seedlings into soil
The soil for growing the plant must be waterproof and loose. It is best if beans or peas grew on the site earlier. In autumn, rotted compost must be applied to the site, and complex mineral fertilizer in spring.
In early June, perilla can be planted in open soil. The density of planting in this case is 25 bushes per m2. The plant tolerates transplanting normally, as it is completely unpretentious in care. It is important to provide proper care for the perilla plant, which means:
- watering;
- loosening;
- feeding;
- weeding;
- pinch.
A small amount of chicken manure is good for top dressing. It needs to be scattered under the bushes of the plant. Perilla normally tolerates summer heat and drought, however, it is advisable to carry out periodic watering, preventing the soil from drying out too much. The optimum temperature is 22-28 degrees. An adult plant does not tolerate a decrease in temperature very well. However, it is worth remembering that in extreme heat, petals and seeds that have not yet ripened may also fall.
If the plant is undersized, then periodically pinch the top of the bush, and for tall shrubs, a decorative haircut is required. This allows for much greater bushiness. Perilla tolerates a haircut very well. Low-growing varieties, whose height is not more than 50 cm, are especially highly valued. They can be used as beautiful border plants.
Harvest greens begin at the beginning of flowering. Shoots are cut to a height of about 10 cm from the surface of the earth. During the season, mainly 2 cuts are carried out. Depending on the growing conditions of the plant, the average yield per m2is approximately 0.5-5 kg.
Fresh herbs keep for 7 days if put in a glass, hermetically sealed jar and refrigerate. It is not recommended to store it in a plastic bag, as the plant will then rot. For long-term storage of greens, various preparations are made from it.
Where is the best place to grow
This heat-loving plant loves a bright place, and also does not tolerate cold wind. Perilla tolerates penumbra well, although most of all it prefers sunny places with constant moisture near the rhizome, but you should not allow water to stagnate.
Short shrubs look good in the foreground of flower beds and borders. Against the backdrop of lush shrubs with an abundance of luxurious foliage, absolutely any garden plants are in harmony, especially those with contrasting foliage and bright flowering.
Benefits of perilla
The plant is very useful and widely used in medicine, as it helps to strengthen the immune system, maintain the normal state of the heart muscle, bones, and organs of vision. Preparations made on the basis of perilla are used to treat respiratory diseases, in particular, such as colds, bronchitis, flu. In addition, the plant helps with lack of appetite, and also effectively copes with nausea and vomiting.
He althy oil obtained from the seeds is consumed as food and used in some rituals in Shinto. You can also use the plant for cosmetic purposes. It has a moisturizing, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effect.
Harm perilla
Applying perilla, as well as other plants containing essential oils, you need to be very careful. In addition, it is worth remembering that it has a contraceptive effect. That is why it should be taken with extreme caution by women who want to get pregnant.
