Species beefsteak plant
purple-green, ovate leaves with serrated edges, and clusters of small, purple-green flowers

beefsteak plant

Perilla frutescens

The Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens) is an annual herb native to Asia. It is part of the mint family and has distinct serrated leaves. Leaves are typically light green in color with a bright red, purple or occasionally blue edge. This plant produces small flowers, although they are not heavily noticeable. The plant gets its nickname from its leaves as they resemble a beefsteak cut from a steak. In Asian cuisine, the leaves are commonly used as an herb and garnish. The plant is a frequent companion of other vegetables in stir-fries. It prefers a temperate climate and moist, well-drained soil.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Root Division,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For watering, the Beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens) should generally receive 1 thorough watering per week. Make sure you wait until the soil has dried out before next watering. During warm summer months, you might need to water as much as twice a week. If the soil is particularly sandy or porous, you might need to water up to 3 times a week. When you water, make sure the water reaches the roots of the plant, not just the surface or stems. If the foliage of the plant is wilting, it is probably a sign it needs more water.

sunlight

The beefsteak plant requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth and health. When the plant is grown indoors, it is important to place it in a south-facing window, or near a bright source of artificial light. Additionally, the beefsteak plant can benefit from exposure to direct sunlight in the afternoon when the sunlight is not as intense. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight during the peak hours of the day when the sun’s intensity is highest. Too much direct sun exposure can cause the leaves of the beefsteak plant to wilt and can promote scorching.

pruning

Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens) should be pruned in late summer or early autumn. Pruning should be light, aiming to remove only the dead and diseased stems and any older stems that are no longer producing shoots. Try to keep the new stems with the youngest leaf growth to ensure the fullest, most natural shape possible for the plant. It's best to cut back no more than 1-third of the stems each year. Always use a sharp, clean pair of pruners to prevent damaging the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Perilla frutescens typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map