紫蘇 Perilla frutescens

[Kyushu Danji]

Although not from the sort of Japanese garden contemplated for this part of the forum, I am interested in locating this Japanese herb. It is a type of mint, yet looks like an oversized stinging nettle. Since I am doing a search for suppliers of this plant, I thought maybe someone on this forum might have some and are willing to tell me a little about growing them/spare a few seedlings??

[Webos]

I love Shiso, the flavour is amazing. You can get seeds quite easily.
Try this

http://www.newgipps.com.au/product.asp?prodId=1822

[Kyushu Danji]

Thanks Webos. Have you grown any? I agree the flavor is amazing..I am into japanese cooking and would kill for a shrub of my own!

[tom k]

I've got the purple variety, dunno if it's the same species. Mine's gone to seed now, I expect lots of seedlings, your welcome to them if you pick them up. It seems like every vietnamese family have it in their front yard here in Marrickville, Sydney, as do all the viet greengrocers.It's super-easy to grow- lots of food and water and some shade preferable.

[mudlarkpottery]

The Digger's Club in Dromana has seeds of the purple variety for sale.
Penny.

[Kyushu Danji]

Thanks for your help everyone.
Tom - I would love to pick up some seedlings from you..but I live in Canberra, and study full time, so I don't think I will be able to pick any up any time soon. Thanks anyway!
Penny - where abouts is Dromana? Do you think if I got in touch with them they would post some seeds down here?

Thanks

James

[mudlarkpottery]

James, check out their website. They have a lot of rare and unusual plants/seeds for sale (cheaper if you become a member) and post Australia-wide. Dromana is near of Melbourne (compared to where I live). I bought a packet of Perillia seeds a couple of years ago for just under $3.00. Check out their seed catalogue (especially the tomatoes) as the postage on one packet is probably more than the one packet of seeds. My latest order should be arriving soon.
Penny.