I've grown it in Japan. As long as you don't cover the seeds (they need light to germinate) they germinate within a week of sowing and grows pretty quickly too. It self-seeds so leave the patch untouched and the next year you have them back again.

The only thing is the seeds lose viability pretty quickly and ones older than 12 months wouldn't normally germinate.

Last year I bought seeds (red & green shisos) from a nursery in the US and this year from one in NSW. Both failed to germinate. At least the one in the US is sending me a replacement soon (from yr-2003-crop) so I may still have another go this summer. The one in NSW hasn't responded to my complaint.

Does anyone know any nursery/seed retailer that sells shiso seeds that are likely to germinate?

I'd very much appreciate some feedback.

Maki

Sow seeds in warm soil in early spring. Seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover seeds at all, and a temperature of 20-22C is required. Germination occurs in about 11-30 days. Plant grows rapidly. Cooler temperatures or dry conditions will adversely affect germination. Grow in rich, well-drained soil. Prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Once established, it will self-seed, so pinch out flower spikes as they develop. Grows best in warm temperatures. Long days and plenty of moisture produce best vegetative growth, shorter days are required for flower production. It does not tolerate crowding, so give it plenty of space.

Harvest leaves as required for culinary use, best in summer once the plants are 10cm high and the leaves are 10cm long. Harvest seeds in late summer to autumn. Seeds are ready when they rattle inside the seed pod. For sprouts, harvest once the first true leaves have started to form. Flowerheads, cut on stalks 15cm from the tip, are harvested with 5-6 of the flowers have opened. Leaves rapidly lose flavour and aroma when dried.

I think I've done everything right up to the point of germination. Well, none germinated so far so haven't got the chance to actually grow them.

The nursery person in the US suggested that I put seeds in fridge for about 5 days before sowing. I did this with the seeds bought from NSW nursery but nothing happened.

I did find the contact for Eden Seeds on the Internet and I think I will enquire them to see if they've got the seeds.