Shiso Losing Flavor: Harvest Timing, Watering, and Plant Age

A grower's shiso (perilla) lost its sweetness, tasting like grass or turning bitter. It's in a large pot with good soil and drainage.

First Harvest Adjustment

Elyse suggests harvesting late morning on a dry, sunny day for peak flavor.

Watering Experiment

• If flavor is weak: cut back watering.
• If bitter/strong: increase watering.

Age and Temperature

Flavor declines as the plant ages—consider starting a new plant annually. Cool weather reduces sweetness in many herbs (like strawberries). Try moving the pot: if in hot sun, give partial shade; if shaded, give more sun.

Elyse notes she's never grown shiso, so these are general herb principles.