Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditionsPerilla (lat.Perilla) is a herbaceous perennial of the Lamiaceae family, valued in ornamental gardening for its large foliage. This culture comes from China, but today it is cultivated in almost all corners of the globe. However, in horticulture, only one type of perilla is used – shrub (Perilla frutescens), from which breeders have obtained many different varieties that differ in foliage color. For the specific structure of the leaf plates and the origin, the plant is popularly called “Chinese basil”. It is used in landscape design, cooking, medicine, cosmetology.

Description

Perilla is a thermophilic crop that is grown as a perennial in warm countries, while in Russia it is most often bred as an annual plant, with the exception of regions with a mild climate. It grows up to 35 – 100 cm. It has an ascending non-branching tetrahedral shoot with a slight pubescence.

Perilla leaves sessile or short-petiolate, oppositely located, cordate, pointed at the base, with denticles along the edge and pronounced veins on the surface. They have a pleasant aroma. The length of the leaf plate is 9 – 11 cm, width – 6 – 8 cm. The color of the leaves can be purple or bright green. Some species are distinguished by variegated foliage, which makes them look very impressive.

Peduncles form on the tops of the stems with the arrival of autumn. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, white, lavender, lilac, collected in a brush or panicle inflorescence. As a result of pollination, fruits appear on the plant with four small nuts inside. When fully ripe, the fruit bursts, resulting in self-seeding.

The description of the perilla plant is supplemented with a photo, which shows its expressive luxurious leaves:

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

Sorts

The best varieties of this crop, which are in special demand in ornamental gardening and cooking, are characterized below.

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

“Red mint” – perilla with a straight single shoot, covered with opposite heart-shaped fringed leaves of a wine shade.

The scent of the foliage of this variety resembles the scent of lemon and cinnamon, due to this feature, the leaves are used for culinary purposes. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, collected in racemose inflorescences. Flowering begins in June, lasts for 4 weeks;

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

Rosinka is a variety with a straight branching single stem 1.4 m high.

It has large green foliage, the smell of which combines the aromas of caramel, anise flowers and pepper. It is used in the manufacture of various dishes and in preserves;

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

“Akazhiso” is a plant with a straight, slightly pubescent stem, 1 m long.

It has purple wrinkled foliage. The leaves combine the same smells as in the Rosinka variety;

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

“Eastern Doctor” is a highly branching plant 30 – 60 cm high with large, double-toothed foliage of a rich green color with a purple tint;

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

“A florist’s dream” – has an ascending branched shoot 50 cm long. The leaf plates are heart-shaped, fringed, with small teeth, dark purple. Flowers are small, collected in spikelets;

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

“Akazhiso Red” – reaches 50 – 100 cm in height. It has a straight stem with little branching. Leaves broadly ovate, serrated along the edge, rich burgundy hue. The flavor of the foliage combines notes of lemon and anise.

Cultivation

Basically, this culture is obtained with the help of seeds, which can be immediately planted on the site, or previously grown seedlings from them. In regions with a mild climate, sowing seeds in open ground is carried out before winter or in early spring. In temperate latitudes, it is better to grow seedlings, and only then plant the matured seedlings on the site. Before planting, the seed must be kept for two days in a solution of potassium permanganate. After that, plant in small pots filled with a mixture of peat and sand, taken in equal parts. The embedment depth should be 0.5 cm.

Moisten the soil with a sprayer, cover the crops with foil, remove to a warm room on a lighted windowsill. The sprouts hatch within two to three weeks. Grown plants are rowed and watered. After the appearance of a full pair of leaf plates, they are planted in open ground. This work is carried out in the second half of May, when frosts have passed.

In early September, perilla shoots are cut into cuttings and rooted in a light nutritious substrate or in water. Containers with plants are kept indoors, where it will continue to develop and begin to bloom.

Landing

Before planting the rails in the open ground, they dig up the soil in advance, fertilize it. It enriches the substrate well with compost. The soil should be light, nutritious, well-drained, and have neutral acidity. When planting seedlings, a mineral composition is added to the holes. Landing at a permanent place can be carried out with the establishment of warm weather, when the average daily temperature is 10-13 degrees.

The holes should be so deep that the roots of the plants are freely located in them. The distance between plantings should be 30 cm. For the cultivation of this culture, open places in the garden are chosen. It is especially important to get enough light for variegated varieties. Areas where perilla bushes will grow must be closed from drafts and gusts of wind, otherwise the plants may get sick.

Care

Watering. When growing perilla, it is worth considering that this crop needs regular watering. With a lack of moisture, the foliage will quickly fade, and its bright color will fade. It is necessary to irrigate the bushes at least 2 times a week. Before watering, the soil should have time to dry out to a depth of 3 cm. Stagnant moisture leads to the appearance of rot, which quickly destroys the bushes. On hot days, it is recommended to irrigate the leaves in the evening when the heat subsides. Otherwise, the sun’s rays will burn wet foliage.

Top dressing. For active growth of green mass, it is recommended to apply fertilizer with nitrogen content once a month during the summer. Variegated varieties are fed with mineral complexes, which include potassium, which helps to obtain a bright foliage color. Rotted chicken manure is suitable as a top dressing.

Breeding problems

Stagnant moisture in the soil, low temperatures and strong winds can lead to plant diseases such as spotting, fusarium, verticellosis and others. For the prevention of diseases, you should follow the rules for caring for the railing, create conditions for its growth and development, taking into account the characteristics of the grass.

Among insects – pests that can damage the perilla, one should highlight aphids, spider mites, and scoops. If pests are found, the bushes are treated with insecticides. Re-processing is carried out after 2 weeks.

Harvesting

If the perilla is grown for culinary purposes, the grown bushes are pruned to obtain raw materials. Harvesting is carried out 2 times per season. The first time the leaves are cut when the plant reaches 10 cm. Fresh raw materials are stored in a cold place for a week. Leaves can be shredded and dried immediately, or stored in the freezer.

Application

As already noted, the range of application of this culture is very wide. Ornamental varieties are planted to decorate a personal plot. Bright, beautiful grass looks good in group plantings. In the flower beds, the foreground and central plans will be the best place for her.

Perilla: the best varieties, growing conditions

Compositions made up of several different types of perilla look spectacular. They can be used to decorate various parts of the garden. This culture is suitable for drawing up ridges and mixborders. The best companions of perilla are sanvitalia, conifers and low deciduous shrubs. Some varieties are grown in pots and used to decorate terraces, balconies, rooms.

Anna Evans

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