Pruning guide
How to prune green shiso
More green shiso care
- How to prune shiso (perilla) — the species this cultivar belongs to
- How to prune green shiso — our other guide for the same plant
- Full green shiso care guide
- Common green shiso problems & fixes
- How to propagate green shiso
- When to repot green shiso
Pruning green shiso — FAQ
When should I prune green shiso?
Pinch tips when plant reaches 20–25 cm; pinch flowers as soon as they form. Pinch the central growing tip between finger and thumb, removing the top 2–3 cm. Repeat on sideshoots as they elongate. Remove flower buds promptly at the base of the flower spike.
How often does green shiso need pruning?
Every 1–2 weeks during the growing season. Green Shiso is an annual herb that needs regular pinching to delay flowering and keep leaves productive. Pinch out the growing tip once plants reach 20–25 cm to encourage branching. Pinch flower buds as soon as they appear — once plants bolt and set seed, leaf quality drops sharply and the plant dies.
How do you prune green shiso?
Pinch the central growing tip between finger and thumb, removing the top 2–3 cm. Repeat on sideshoots as they elongate. Remove flower buds promptly at the base of the flower spike.