Korean perilla
Perilla frutescens var. frutescens
Also known asKkaennip · Sesame leaf · Wild sesame · Deulkkae · Gungchaesil
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–11 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Net pot, no medium (Bare-root) | - | - | - |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.7 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.5 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An easy, productive herb for warm-season hydroponic growing. EC 1.0-2.0 mS/cm. pH 5.5-7.0. Temperature: 20–30°C (warm-season; frost kills the plant). Moderate to high light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). NFT, DWC, or media bed systems. From seed to first harvest: 6-8 weeks. The plants grow rapidly (60–90 cm tall) and produce large, harvestable leaves continuously throughout the warm season. Harvest individual leaves as needed for wraps and cooking. The plants branch well when pinched; remove the growing tip at 20–30 cm height to promote bushy, multi-stemmed growth. If flower buds appear, pinch them off to extend leaf production (once the plant flowers, leaf quality declines and the plant focuses on seed production). Perilla self-seeds aggressively in outdoor gardens; in hydroponic systems, this isn't relevant. For Korean cooking, fresh perilla leaves are essential for proper ssam (wrapping meat in leaves with garlic, ssamjang paste, and rice), and growing your own is the most reliable way to have them on hand. Fresh perilla commands premium prices ($8-15/bunch) at Korean grocery stores.