Pruning guide
How to prune red shiso
More red shiso care
- How to prune shiso (perilla) — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full red shiso care guide
- Common red shiso problems & fixes
- How to propagate red shiso
- When to repot red shiso
Pruning red shiso — FAQ
When should I prune red shiso?
Pinch tip when plant reaches 25–30 cm tall; remove flower spikes as they emerge (late summer). Pinch or cut the leading stem above a pair of leaves to branch the plant; when flower spikes appear at stem tips, cut them back to the nearest side shoot or leaf.
How often does red shiso need pruning?
Pinch once early in the season; remove flower spikes as needed (usually from midsummer onward). Red Shiso is a fast-growing annual that bolts in late summer. Pinch out the central growing tip when the plant reaches about 30 cm to encourage bushy branching. Remove flower spikes promptly — once in full flower, leaf quality declines rapidly. Harvest large leaves from the lower stems regularly through the season.
How do you prune red shiso?
Pinch or cut the leading stem above a pair of leaves to branch the plant; when flower spikes appear at stem tips, cut them back to the nearest side shoot or leaf.