Hi,
I've been trying to grow Shiso (A Japanese herb similar to Basil) from seed for several years with absolutely no success. Supposedly, it is very easy to grow, but not for me. I've sown it outdoors following directions on the packet, but have never seen any germination.
Has anyone grown this? Can you offer any tips? Is it better to start it indoors (with or without bottom heat?), and transplant later?
Thank you very much.
Tom

Hi there Tom 😁
Maybe some bug is eating sprout off, before you see it. I use some ortho bug-be-gon granules and snail pellets when i direct seed.
You also could try sptouting seeds between paper towels, then plant them. Inside or outside as i've directed. Outside, usually takes one treatment, unless it rains and washes away treatment.
Best of luck.
😎😎😎

Tom ~ I've not grown Shiso but I grow a variety of herbs and find they all germinate best in containers where I can control the moisture levels and temps. If you are trying more, I'd try some in a container. The seedlings are easy enough to transplant. I had similar difficulty with Caraway and this year tried one more time. Finally successful!