Perilla is a perennial herb with very beautiful foliage. She is not only decorated with a garden, but also used in traditional medicine, cooking and cosmetology. The plant belongs to the family Iasnatkovye. Its homeland is China and Japan, but gardeners have successfully cultivated railings around the world. Residents of each country name the plant in their own way, so it can be found under the names "shiso", "Chinese basil", "wild sesame", "Vietnamese coriander". In Russia, the railing was cultivated in the middle of the last century, and now it is undeservedly forgotten. In recent years, finding seeds is not so easy, but persistent gardeners can find it and easily grow this beautiful plant on the site.
Botanical Description
Perilla is a herbaceous thermophilic perennial. It absolutely does not tolerate frost, therefore, in central Russia it is grown as an annual crop. The height of the plant is 35-60 cm, but some specimens grow to 1 m. The upright tetrahedral stem practically does not branch.
Beautiful heart-shaped leaves sit on a stalk or have short petioles. They are opposite. A wrinkled sheet plate has beautiful serrated edges and a pointed end. The color of the leaves is wine red, bright green or colorful. The length of the lower leaves reaches 10 cm, the upper ones are more modest in size.
Since perilla is more valued for its decorative features and leaves, varieties with a long growing season are more popular. That is, from planting to the first flowering can take up to 5 months. Peduncles form in the fall, with a decrease in daylight hours. Miniature axillary flowers bloom at the top of the stem. They are located in paniculate or racemose inflorescences. Each corolla has a short, hairy peduncle. Small flower bells are painted white, lavender or purple.
After pollination, dry fruits ripen. Each contains 4 small nuts. The ripened fruit opens independently, which contributes to abundant self-seeding.
Grades of railing
Perilla is represented by only a few varieties. The most widespread for its taste is vegetable railing (Nanking). Outwardly, it is very similar to basil, but differs in larger leaves and smooth seeds. Depending on the variety, the aroma and its intensity change. The plant may emit the smell of lemon balm, cinnamon, anise, peppermint or basil. Popular varieties:
- Dewdrop - frost-resistant, early ripening variety of domestic selection with red leaves;
- Akashiso - a plant with red leaves and pepper aroma;
- Red mint - purple fringed leaves exude the smell of mint, lemon and cinnamon;
- Aoshiso is a green railing with the scent of anise, pepper and caramel.
The perilla is shrubby (basilic). A plant 80-140 cm tall has ovoid wavy leaves with a serrated edge. Sedentary foliage is located opposite to the entire length of the shoot. In July, a long spike inflorescence, covered with many small bell-shaped flowers, is extended at the top of the shoot. Leaves can be eaten, but they have a fairly strong, pungent odor. Most often, the variety is cultivated for the sake of the seeds from which the essential oil is obtained.
Breeding methods
Propaganda perilla is propagated mainly by seeds. They can be sown immediately in open ground or pre-grown seedlings. In open ground, seeds are sown before winter or in March. This method is suitable for the southern regions, as seedlings will sprout for a long time and slowly develop. In a temperate climate, it is advisable to grow seedlings. The seeds are soaked in warm water with the addition of potassium permanganate for 2 days, and then sown in sandy peat soil to a depth of 5 mm. The surface of the soil is sprayed from the spray gun and covered with a film. Keep containers in a warm place.
Shoots appear after 2-3 weeks. They should be thinned periodically. The surface of the earth is sprinkled with a thin layer of sand. When 2 real leaflets appear on seedlings, it can be planted in open ground. This usually happens in mid-May.
In September, the stalks of perilla are cut and rooted in light, fertile soil or water. Pots with plants are transferred to the room. As a houseplant, the perilla continues to grow and blooms again. In a temperate climate, this is the only way to wait for the ripening of seeds.
Landing Features
It is recommended to prepare the soil for future landings in the fall. Dig it up and make compost. The soil must be loose and breathable. The railing grows well after peas, beans and other legumes. In the spring, a portion of mineral fertilizers is additionally added to each well. You can plant seedlings in open ground when the average daily temperature is + 10 ... + 12 ° C. The bushes are distributed on a site with a distance of 20-30 cm. It is useful to sprinkle the soil surface with sand. In the future, this will protect against the development of fungal diseases.
Open, sunny areas are preferred. Light is especially needed for varieties with variegated or red leaves. It is worth taking care of the protection against drafts in advance, otherwise the plants will be weak.
Plant care
It’s easy to take care of the railing, it is enough to periodically water, fertilize and weed the beds. Under young plants, the earth is loosened twice a month. Weeds pull out as they appear.
The optimum temperature for plant development is + 18 ... + 27 ° C. The railing carries relatively good heat relatively well, you just need to water it more often. In the fall, during a cold snap, the plant quickly withers. To keep it longer, you need to transplant the bushes into the greenhouse.
The railing should be watered often, 2-3 times a week. The soil should dry to a depth of 3-4 cm. Stagnant water can lead to the development of rot, which will quickly destroy all plantings. It is better to water the bushes by sprinkling. On hot days, the procedure is carried out in the evening, so that the sun does not burn the foliage through drops of water.
Monthly plants are fed with organic fertilizers. You can use compost or rotted chicken manure. The perilla responds to top dressing with more active growth and bright coloring of greenery.
The first cut of the shoot is done when its height reaches 10 cm. In total, the crop is harvested twice during the season. Fresh leaves are stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can immediately dry the raw materials and grind to a powder state. In order for the stems to give lateral processes, pinch them several times. If the railing is grown as an ornamental plant, it is not necessary to trim it, but it is necessary to provide support for high varieties. From the wind or under their own weight they can lie down.
Due to stagnation of water, dampness or cold, the plant is sick and loses its decorative effect. It can suffer from fusarium, verticelosis, and spotting. So that the fungus does not destroy the grass, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of care.
The most damage perilla cause scoops, caterpillars and spider mites. From parasites, insecticides are treated. If the culture is used as food, the choice of drug should be approached with particular care.
Healing properties
Perilla is a leader in the content of vitamins A, C, PP, B1 and B2. She is an effective antioxidant. The unique pink tea from perilla leaves helps to strengthen the immune system, cope with headaches, as well as lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
Perilla seed oil is rich in linoleic and omega-3 acids. They help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, increase skin elasticity and restore cartilage. Regular intake of oil reduces the level of allergens in the blood, and also improves the condition of nails and hair. In eastern medicine, grass powder and oil are also used to treat colds, bronchitis and asthma.
In the cosmetics industry, handrail preparations are used to produce cosmetics for children. They have hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effects. There are also several lines for the care of problem skin.
Perilla in cooking
Fragrant perilla leaves are used to make salads. Green varieties have a fresher, lemon flavor. They combine better with fish and seafood. Red leaves exude a spicy, sweet smell. Whole leaves are consumed fresh or pickled. Dry greens are added to marinades for fish and meat. This seasoning is good in soups and main dishes. You need to add it quite a bit. Red leaves are often added to pickles. Then the dish becomes not only fragrant, but also acquires a beautiful pink color.
Aromatic oil is technical, but after processing it can be used as food. It is used in the confectionery industry, adding to the filling for sweets. Cake after squeezing the oil goes to animal feed.
Grass in the garden
Bright railing is actively used in the design of the garden. Group plantings of the front or central plan make flowerbeds more elegant. You can make a composition of varieties with different leaf colors or use a monotypic design. The railing in mixborders and discounts looks good. So it is possible to economically plant a vegetable crop and decorate the site.
You can put the railing in flowerpots that stand on the balcony or terrace. Bright leaves will decorate the room and fill it with a pleasant aroma. The best neighbors for the plant are sanvitalia or snow tree. The railing looks good near coniferous or deciduous shrubs.
