Photo: Dalgial, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herb
Perilla: when and how to prune
Perilla frutescens
Perilla is best pruned in June–August.
| Pruning months | June–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | August–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Perilla: when to prune it?
From June to August pinch out the tips regularly and harvest the leaves.
Perilla: how to prune it?
- Pinch out the tip when the plant is 20–30 cm tall, just above a pair of leaves.
- Pick lots of small leaves rather than a large amount now and then; never take more than a third of the plant at once.
- Remove flower spikes as soon as they appear if you mainly want leaves.
- At the end of the season leave a few spikes if you want to collect seed.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: It is an annual: it dies at the first frost. Harvest everything before the first night frost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.