Green and Red Shiso Perilla Seeds

Not the easiest thing for a beginner to grow but I managed to have a few germinate. Only one has survived but that is ok. I believe it to be the green variety unless it will change colors later on like some other plants I have. I will be keeping it in a pot and clipping any flowers as it is in the mint family and can become problematic. To the other commenters, do your own research and take precautions to what you grow in your area. Many things can become invasive if not managed. This plant is also toxic to many animals so don't plant it where your pet can consume it.

Before I planted these seeds, I did my research and realized that they probably need to be stratified. I stratified them for three weeks in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel. After sowing, I put them outside in a zone 9B fall/winter climate. Nothing really germinated for almost 2 weeks. I then decided to take them into the house and put them on a 70°F heating mat. The germinated within two days. So the key really is stratification, followed by germination on a warm mat. After germination, I put them into a greenhouse that stays temperate and protects the seedlings from frost. Almost every single one of them has germinated.