Britton Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa ‘Britton’)
Sale price $19.95Bold, Bicolor Herb with Aromatic Leaves
The Britton Shiso is a stunning bicolor selection of Perilla frutescens with deeply crinkled leaves that are green on top and rich purple underneath. This heat-loving annual herb grows into a bushy, fragrant plant with soft serrated foliage and a bold, ornamental presence in the garden. Its aroma is bright, herbal, and slightly spicy—somewhere between basil, mint, and cinnamon—making it a multifunctional edible that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Shiso thrives in warm weather, grows quickly, and produces abundant leaves throughout the season.
Highly adaptable and vigorous, Britton Shiso performs well in garden beds or containers, adding texture and color to edible landscapes. Its upright habit, unique bicolor leaves, and pollinator-friendly summer blooms make it a standout for both chefs and gardeners.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Shiso has been cherished for centuries in Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine. It is used fresh in sushi, sashimi, salads, pickles, rice dishes, and herbal teas. Britton Shiso’s bicolor leaves offer a flavor that’s both refreshing and complex, with notes of anise, basil, and citrus. Traditionally used to wrap foods, flavor broths, and add aromatic depth to fermented dishes, shiso is also valued in herbal traditions for its calming and digestive-supportive properties. Growing Britton Shiso brings a globally beloved culinary herb into everyday reach.
Why Grow Britton Shiso?
- Bicolor green-and-purple leaves with bold, aromatic flavor
- Essential herb in East Asian cuisine—fresh, pickled, or brewed
- Fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and productive all season
- Ornamental foliage adds texture and color to edible gardens
- Perfect for containers, raised beds, and herb gardens
Growing Tips
(Also known as: Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry, Ground Cherry, Husk Cherry, Cape Gooseberry, Poha, Physalis, Physalis pruinosa)
Plant Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry in full sun for the sweetest, most flavorful harvests. Choose well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, and water consistently during establishment, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings once mature. Warm-season and frost-sensitive, it grows best in temperatures above 60°F. Feed lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer and avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Plants benefit from light pruning to maintain shape but generally prefer to sprawl naturally. Suitable for raised beds, in-ground plantings, or large containers. Expect fruit 65–75 days from transplanting, with ripe berries dropping gently from the plant when ready.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Physalis pruinosa |
| Common Names | Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry, Ground Cherry, Husk Cherry, Cape Gooseberry, Physalis |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Origin | Central and South America; heirloom selected in Eastern Europe |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Mature Size | 1–2 ft × 2–3 ft |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | Yellow with dark centers |
| USDA Zones | Grown as an annual in Zones 4–11 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seeds |
| Seasonal Traits | Summer-bearing annual |
| Time to Harvest | 65–75 days from transplanting |
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