Britton

Bright, herbal, and mild, in the basil-mint family; some vendors note hints of anise, cinnamon, clove, cumin, and citrus. Milder aromatic profile than typical red shiso.

Deeply crinkled, soft-serrated leaves that are green on the upper surface and purple to red on the underside; larger leaf and plant than standard red or green shiso; upright, bushy habit roughly 18-30 inches tall.

Grow in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil; leaves show the best green-to-purple color contrast when grown in temperatures below about 85F/29C, and container plants need more frequent watering. Johnny's lists roughly 80-85 days to maturity, though harvestable foliage begins earlier.