Description
Shiso - Green (Perilla) seeds
Perilla frutescens
Pack: 150 seeds, 10g, 25g
Korean Perilla, known as Kkaennip (깻잎) in Korean, is distinctly different from Japanese Shiso despite both belonging to the Perilla genus. These are separate varieties with different leaf characteristics, flavors, and culinary applications. Korean Perilla should not be referred to as "shiso" or "sesame leaf" (though the latter Korean translation persists despite no botanical relationship to sesame plants). This distinction is culturally significant and respected by Korean and Japanese communities alike.
Plant Characteristics
Korean Perilla produces striking, broad leaves that are notably larger and flatter than its Japanese cousin. The leaves feature:
- Size: 8-12cm wide, substantially larger than shiso
- Texture: Thick, substantial leaves with a slightly quilted surface
- Edges: Gently serrated (not deeply jagged or frilly)
- Colour: Rich green tops with distinctive purple-red undersides
- Height: Plants grow 60-90cm tall in warm conditions
Flavour Profile
The taste is complex and bold - peppery, earthy, and slightly anise-like with herbaceous notes. Unlike the more delicate, aromatic shiso, Korean Perilla has an intense, warming flavour that stands up to robust Korean dishes. The leaves are eaten in substantial quantities rather than used sparingly as garnish.
Culinary Uses in Korean Cuisine
- Ssam (쌈): Fresh leaf wraps for Korean BBQ and grilled meats
- Kkaennip Jangajji (깻잎장아찌): Soy sauce pickled perilla leaves
- Kkaennip Kimchi (깻잎김치): Fermented perilla kimchi
- Gamjatang: Added to pork bone soup for aromatic depth
- Perilla seed powder: Ground seeds used as a nutty soup thickener
- Perilla oil: Extracted from seeds for cooking (distinctly Korean)
Growing Guide for Australian Conditions
Climate: Thrives in warm, humid conditions. Ideal for Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne summers, and year-round in tropical zones.
Planting:
- Soak seeds overnight before planting (tough seed coat requires softening)
- Sow after last frost when nighttime temps exceed 7°C
- Plant 30-40cm apart in garden beds or large containers
- Depth: 5mm, barely covered with soil
Position: Full sun to part shade. Afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates.
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with compost. Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture.
Harvest: Pick individual leaves once plants reach 20cm height. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. Mature leaves have the best flavour.
Growing Season: Spring to autumn. In frost-free areas, may overwinter.
Important Notes
- Self-seeds readily - remove flower heads before seed set if you wish to prevent spread
- Member of mint family (Lamiaceae)
- Not suitable for livestock grazing (toxic to cattle, horses, sheep)
- Excellent container plant for patios and small gardens
- Attracts beneficial pollinators when flowering
Seed Count: Approximately [X] seeds per packet
Perfect For
Home gardeners growing ingredients for authentic Korean cooking, lovers of Asian herbs, Korean barbecue enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a unique, flavourful leafy green for their garden.
All orders ship from Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Where We Ship
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All over Australia, including WA & TAS. We do not ship seeds outside Australia.
Processing Times
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Order dispatch or packing time, 1 to 3 business days. Weekends and public holidays excluded. Transit time is additional.
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Western Australia orders are packed each Thursday and handed to Australia Post on Friday. Place WA orders before Wednesday 11:59 PM Sydney time for Friday dispatch.
Delivery Options and Prices
Standard Post and Parcels, Australia Post or courier
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Typical delivery time, 3 to 10 business days. Remote WA and NT may take longer.
| Order contents | Price |
|---|---|
| Seed packets only, or any seeds or garden supplies up to 200 g | $3.95 |
| Upgrade seed packet delivery to tracked letter | Add $3.00 |
| Mixed items 200 g to 400 g | $5.95 |
| Mixed items 401 g to 2 kg | $10.95 |
| Mixed items over 2 kg, including seed potatoes, tubers, canes, rhizomes | $16.95 |
Free letter option for small seed orders
Seed packet orders under 1 g qualify for free untracked domestic letter shipping when the order value is $40 or more after discounts. Delivery for untracked letters may take 5 to 12 business days, sometimes longer.
Express Post and Parcels, Australia Post or courier
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Typical delivery time is 1 to 3 business days. WA, NT, TAS, and remote areas may take longer.
| Order contents | Price |
|---|---|
| Seed packets only | $16 |
| Seed packets and bulk weight-based seeds up to 500 g | $19 |
| Bulk seeds 0 to 500 g | $19 |
| Bulk seeds 501 g to 1 kg | $21 |
| Bulk seeds 1.01 kg to 3 kg | $26 |
| Bulk seeds 3.01 kg to 5 kg | $45 |
| Bulk seeds 5.01 kg to 10 kg | $80 |
| Bulk seeds 10.01 kg to 15 kg | $120 |
Important for WA Express
We do not provide Express parcel service for WA orders because Quarantine inspection delays delivery, which defeats the purpose of Express.
State Specific Requirements and Fees
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Western Australia, add $6 per order for Quarantine inspection. All WA seed orders go to Quarantine WA for inspection. Tracking (if any) is activated after inspection, which may take up to 10 business days from our packing date. Delivery within WA generally takes an additional 1 to 5 business days after release from Perth Airport.
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Tasmania, add $3 per order for Biosecurity paperwork. Maximum 1 kg per seed line item. Biosecurity Tasmania restrictions apply.
Tracking and Delivery
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You will receive a dispatch email with a tracking number when your order ships from our warehouse. Some small-value orders may ship as untracked letters.
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Signature on delivery is available. Add $5.95. If not selected, the carrier may leave the parcel in a safe place, your letterbox if it fits, or at a collection point. ID may be required for Registered or Signature services.
Delivery Timeframes and Late or Missing Orders
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Dispatch and delivery times are estimates. Events outside our control, such as weather or carrier delays, can affect timing.
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We use Australia Post guidelines to decide when an order is considered late or missing.
When an order is considered missing
| Service | Usual delivery time | Time before an order is counted as missing | Review period before replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy delivery | 3 to 7 business days | 20 business days | 2 to 3 business days |
| Express delivery | 1 to 3 business days | 5 business days beyond Australia Post’s estimate | 2 to 3 business days |
Delivery guarantee
If your order is lost or damaged in transit, we will work with you on a fair resolution, which may include a full refund, an upgrade to tracked delivery at a subsidised rate, or a one-time replacement. If we resend an order, that replacement is final and is sent at your own risk. No further refund or replacement will be provided.
Important Notes
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We process orders after receiving cleared payment.
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Postage rates are per order. We may combine multiple orders to the same recipient at the same address into one shipment.
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Shipping charges are not discounted during product sales.
Need Help?
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Phone, 1800 733 399
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Business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm NSW time (AEDT or AEST depending upon daylight savings)
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Address, PO Box 148, Riverstone NSW 2765
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ABN, 63 634 537 492
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship outside Australia
No. We only ship within Australia.
How long does Standard delivery take
Most orders arrive in 3 to 10 business days. Remote WA and NT may take longer.
How long does Express delivery take
Most orders arrive in 1 to 3 business days. WA, NT, TAS, and remote areas may take longer.
Do WA orders have delays?
Yes. WA orders go through Quarantine inspection. Tracking activates after inspection.
Can I get a signature on delivery?
Yes. You can add a signature on delivery for $3.95.
When is an order considered missing
We follow Australia Post guidelines. See the timeframes above.
Estimate shipping
Shipping Restrictions
Western Australia Customers: We can ship most seed line items, except Quarantine WA restricted seed lines to WA. To help us ship your order as quickly and efficiently as possible, please do not include any seed items prohibited in WA; they are listed with the label 'NOT to WA'. Due to quarantine restrictions in WA, there is a 10kg seeds limit per variety. WA orders require additional handling time. Please remain within an approved limit when ordering seeds. We review every WA order before dispatch and remove (or reduce) excess seed quantity from your order to comply with WA biosecurity regulations. Please check further information here
Tasmania Customers: We can ship seeds to Tasmania. Please do not include seed line items labeled 'NOT to TAS'. Please note that the maximum allowable limit per permitted seed line item is 1kg per order.

