Pest identification
What's eating my red shiso?
Flea Beetles
Signs: Many small, round shot-holes across leaves, particularly in warm, dry spells; seedlings may be killed outright
Control: Grow under row cover until plants are established; use sticky yellow traps; apply kaolin clay spray; rotate planting site annually
Aphids
Signs: Distorted, sticky new growth; visible colonies on stem tips and leaf undersides
Control: Knock off with water jets; apply insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects to the garden
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Ragged holes in leaves and stems at ground level; slime trails on foliage and surrounding soil
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick after dark; protect seedlings with copper tape or a grit ring
Keep red shiso pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red Shiso pests — FAQ
What is eating my red shiso?
Red Shiso is susceptible to flea beetles, aphids, and slugs. Flea beetles are the most damaging pest, riddling the ornamental purple foliage with small holes. Aphids colonise shoot tips. Slugs target seedlings and young transplants. Caterpillars of various species also eat shiso leaves. Deer will browse plants if garden access is available.
How do I get rid of flea beetles on red shiso?
Many small, round shot-holes across leaves, particularly in warm, dry spells; seedlings may be killed outright Grow under row cover until plants are established; use sticky yellow traps; apply kaolin clay spray; rotate planting site annually
How do I get rid of aphids on red shiso?
Distorted, sticky new growth; visible colonies on stem tips and leaf undersides Knock off with water jets; apply insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects to the garden
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on red shiso?
Ragged holes in leaves and stems at ground level; slime trails on foliage and surrounding soil Use iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick after dark; protect seedlings with copper tape or a grit ring