Plant in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with fertile, well-drained soil, spacing plants around 30cm (12in) apart to allow good airflow and healthy growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser will encourage bushy growth and vibrant leaves.

Harvest leaves regularly from the top down once the plant is well established to promote branching and prevent it from flowering too early. Pinch out flower buds if you want to extend the leaf-harvesting period, as flowering can make the leaves bitter. Shiso can be cut continually throughout the growing season, with larger leaves picked as needed for cooking or fresh use, and the plant will keep producing until the first frosts.