Question
QUESTION: My Shiso Herb is losing its sweetness.What can I do to improve?

ANSWER: Patrick:
When do you harvest it? Herbs are best harvested late morning, on a dry sunny day.  Are you growing it as an annual? If not, maybe it's time to yank it and start a new plant.

Is is lacking in flavor or just changing? If it is lacking, you could cut back on watering, if getting strong or bitter, try watering more.

Elyse

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Elyse,
Thank you for your quick responds.
Will try this time to harvest it in late morning.

Yes,it's in fact lacking in Flavor,as it is NOT Tasted like a Shiso taste should be now.More like a green grass/leaf taste.Do you know Why?
Is it due to lack of the right type of fertilizer for herb?
I am planting it on a Large Planter-Pot.Good drainage and good soils I use.
At the beginnings,it Flavored really Great and Sweet.Then,slowly I noticed the lose of Shiso Flavor and even taste Bitter in some of those Harvested.I am a little puzzled and confused.

Rdgs/Patrick

Answer
Patrick:
Since I've never even tried this herb, let alone grown it, I can only guess. I never fertilize herbs, for most herbs that would actually result in less flavor - or at least milder. The time of day - more precisely the amount of heat - effects the flavor, but I suspect the age of the plant may as well. In cool weather strawberries never taste as sweet, maybe that's true for sweet herbs as well?

Since it's in a pot, maybe you could try moving it. If it's in the hot sun, maybe give it partial shade and vice-versa.

Elyse