Origin and Common Names
Perilla arguta Benth., also known as the wrinkled shiso, is a species of perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to East Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China. This plant is also commonly called the hana-shiso or yaguruma-shiso in Japan, the geum-yak in Korea, and the zi-su in China.General Appearance
Perilla arguta Benth. grows up to 50-100 cm in height. It has purple stems with green serrated leaves that have a wrinkled texture. The leaves are oval and have a pointed tip with a green upper surface and a purple underside. The leaves of this plant are highly aromatic with a fruity fragrance. In summer and autumn, Perilla arguta Benth. produces small pink to white flowers that grow in clusters on the stem tips. The plant also has a prominent taproot which allows it to survive in drought and harsh weather conditions.Uses
Perilla arguta Benth. has multiple uses both for culinary and medicinal purposes. In Japan, Korea, and China, the leaves of this plant are used to season and color various dishes such as sushi, rice, and soups. The leaves are also used to make a tea that is believed to have several health benefits such as reducing inflammation, alleviating allergies, and aiding digestion. Perilla arguta Benth. is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, headaches, and digestive problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also useful in reducing joint pain and inflammation. In addition, Perilla arguta Benth. is also grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers.Light Requirements
Perilla arguta Benth. requires full sun exposure to grow healthily. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to leggy, weak plants that are susceptible to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
Perilla arguta Benth. is a warm-weather plant that thrives in temperatures between 20 to 30°C. It can tolerate some colder temperatures, but frost can damage the leaves and stems. In areas with a cooler climate, it is best to grow Perilla arguta Benth. as an annual crop during the warm months and replant every year.
Soil Requirements
Perilla arguta Benth. prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can further improve plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Perilla arguta Benth. is a vigorous plant that loves warm temperatures, ample sunlight, and well-draining, fertile soil. It's best cultivated in warm tropical and subtropical regions. For best results, start your plants indoors about six weeks before the last frost date, then transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
When transplanting, space your plants about 12 inches apart, and make sure that the soil is well worked and amended with compost or other organic material. After planting, water the soil thoroughly.
Watering Needs
Perilla arguta Benth. prefers moist soil but not waterlogged. The best way to water your plants is to provide a deep soak that allows the water to penetrate the soil deeply. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather and the soil type, so be sure to check the soil moisture regularly. It's better to water deeply but infrequently rather than to water shallowly and frequently.
Fertilization
Perilla arguta Benth. prefers a well-balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal proportions. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the instructions on the packaging. Alternatively, you can use compost or other organic material to feed the plants, which will provide them with a slow-release source of nutrients.
Pruning
Perilla arguta Benth. benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and to prevent it from becoming too leggy. Prune the plants when they are about 6-8 inches tall, and then every 4-6 weeks, pinching off the tips of the stems. Also, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves or stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Perilla arguta Benth.
Perilla arguta Benth. can be propagated through various methods such as using seeds, cuttings, and division of roots.
Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Perilla arguta Benth. is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil during spring or fall. The soil must be well-drained and kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted into their permanent spot.
Cuttings
Cuttings is another method of propagating Perilla arguta Benth. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from an established plant during late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves leaving only a few leaves on the top. Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Once the cutting grows roots, it can be transplanted to its permanent spot.
Division of Roots
Perilla arguta Benth. can also be propagated through division of roots. This method is best done during late fall or early spring. Dig up an established plant and gently separate the roots into several clumps. Plant the clumps in their permanent spot and keep the soil consistently moist until they establish roots.
Disease Management for Perilla arguta Benth.
Perilla arguta Benth. is generally resistant to common plant diseases, but it can still be prone to few diseases in certain conditions. Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant are:
- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes drooping and discoloration of leaves and stem rot. The disease can be avoided by planting disease-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in contaminated soil.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow and brown spots on leaves. Removal of infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Adequate air circulation and spacing between plants can help prevent the disease. Fungicides can also be used for severe cases.
To prevent the occurrence of diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant health and follow proper cultural practices. It is important to plant the plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Proper fertilization and pruning can also go a long way in keeping the plant healthy and resistant to diseases.
Pest Management for Perilla arguta Benth.
Perilla arguta Benth. is relatively pest-resistant, but some insects may still cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that may affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of leaves, and stunted growth. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control their population.
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. They can be controlled by regular spraying of water to the leaves and using insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These pests cut the stem of small seedlings, causing the plants to wilt. Cutworms can be prevented by using collars made of paper or cardboard around the base of the seedlings.
To prevent pest infestations, it is essential to maintain good plant health and keep the surrounding area clean. Regular monitoring of the plants and early detection of pests can help prevent the spread of infestations. If the pest population is significant, using insecticides can be an effective solution. However, it is important to use the appropriate insecticide for the specific pest and follow the label instructions carefully.
