The plant of perilla is an oilseed from the family Lamiaceae. It has a very great resemblance to basil, but they have certain differences. The surface of the leaves at the railing is warm and somewhat rough to the touch. Their color can be completely different - from green to purple.
A variety of color shades allows you to use railing not only as a useful, but also a decorative plant. Flowers are very similar to tassels and are located on short pedicels.
Plant features
The railing plant, the photo of which demonstrates its feature, refers to aromatic and medicinal herbs. It is very rich in essential oils and organic acid complexes. It is worth noting that the alkaloids that make up the plant have a very mild effect, so they are not dangerous and not toxic.
Basic properties
Many gardeners grow it in their personal plots, as they are highly appreciated for their decorative and useful qualities. The plant of perilla has such qualities as:
- decorativeness;
- the presence of antioxidants;
- many useful substances.
This plant has decorative properties, since the different color of the leaves attracts many gardeners. This coloring is due to the presence of the pigment substance perillamine. When planting a plant, there is no doubt that it will delight with its beauty. It can look very good in flowerpots, as well as in curbs, next to tall plants. It will be a very good background for flowering plants. Leaves can be used in various flower arrangements.
The beneficial properties of the plant of perilla are due to the content of many vitamins, minerals, as well as essential oils. By the amount of carotene, it is many times greater than even carrots.
It is a very good antioxidant, so it can be a good substitute for painkillers, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Plant application
The scope of the perilla plant is very diverse, and it is associated with its qualities. Its decorative properties help to apply it in landscape design, namely:
- flower arrangements with leaves added;
- rockeries are created in the summer cottage;
- can be grown in flowerpots decorating country houses.
Essential oils, contained in large quantities in the leaves and seeds of the plant, allow its widespread use in alternative medicine. The decoction of perilla has a calming effect on respiratory diseases. In addition, it can be an excellent diuretic, it helps with abdominal pain, food poisoning.
Varieties with green leaves are the most tender. Red-leaved species have stiffer leaves, but they are very beautiful and adorn flower beds throughout the summer. Suitable as a natural colorant for drinks and marinades.
In all varieties, leaves can be used as a spice. Aromas differ in their types, therefore, in the taste and aroma there are lemon, cinnamon, pepper and anise notes.
Leaflets can be put in tea and other drinks, added to second courses, salads and pickles. Young greens can be pickled and fermented to fully preserve the beneficial qualities and vitamins. In Japan, the plant is used as a sweetener. It is worth remembering that prolonged contact with the railing can provoke dermatitis.
What varieties exist
Having studied the description of the plant of perilla, you can be sure, despite the fact that it is called shrub, it is grassy. It also has many other names. The list of plant species of the genus perilla is very wide; they differ in leaf color. Among the most popular varieties are Green Cumin, which has lush green foliage with the scent of caraway and cinnamon.
The green Aojiso variety has a delicate ginger flavor and is often used as a seasoning for sashimi. Large leaflets of Korean railings are used as wrappers for food, and are also added to salads. In addition, you can use the seeds as a seasoning.
There are also other types of railing plants, which are widely used in cooking, medicine, and landscape design.
How to choose the right seeds
When growing a railing plant, it is worth remembering that there are only 2 of its varieties. One of them is required to obtain oil from seeds, but it is of little interest to gardeners, since the seeds do not always fully ripen, and it is very difficult to make oil on your own. Mostly these varieties are grown on an industrial scale.
Therefore, a vegetable variety of railing is often grown, presented in a wide variety. It is worth acquiring the seeds of reliable, trusted companies, while paying attention to the name and characteristics.
Planting seedlings
In the southern regions, the seeds of the railing plant can be planted directly in the beds, and it is quite possible to do this even for the winter. In this case, this can also occur by self-seeding. In cooler regions, seeds often do not ripen, and it is best to plant with seedlings.
If conditions permit, then seedlings can be grown from February, but it is best to wait until the beginning of April. Seeds will germinate much better if they are soaked in water for several days before sowing, which must be changed daily. At the same time, moist seeds should periodically gain access to air. After this, it is advisable to slightly dip them in slightly damp sand or hold them in the refrigerator for a week. However, often the railing rises well and without preliminary soaking.
For sowing, it is best to take light soil, and the boxes should have holes so that excess moisture quickly and easily leaves. You need to sow perilla densely so that later you can easily remove weak plants. After planting, it is advisable to sprinkle the perilla seeds a little above the soil and put in a warm place. You can leave them open - for better access to light. On the windowsill, the air temperature should be approximately 20-25 degrees. The first shoots appear literally in 1-2 weeks. Sprouts are very much like basil.
When the first sprouts appear, you need to sprinkle them with sand a little and moisten. This procedure can be repeated several more times. After the appearance of the first 2-3 leaves, seedlings can be transplanted into separate cups. Do not plant the railing in a common box, since when planting in the soil, you can damage the root system. You can plant in the ground already in early June.
Transplanting seedlings into the soil
The soil for growing the plant must be waterproof and loose. It is best if beans or peas grew earlier on the plot. In the autumn, rotted compost should be added to the site, and in the spring - complex mineral fertilizer.
In early June, you can plant the railing in open soil. The planting density is 25 bushes per m2. The plant normally tolerates a transplant, since it is completely unpretentious in care. It is important to ensure proper care of the railing to the plant, which implies:
- watering;
- loosening;
- top dressing;
- weeding;
- pinch.
A small amount of chicken droppings is well suited for feeding. It must be scattered under the bushes of the plant. Perilla normally tolerates summer heat and drought, however, it is desirable to carry out periodic watering, avoiding severe drying of the soil. The optimum temperature is 22-28 degrees. An adult plant does not tolerate low temperatures. However, it is worth remembering that in extreme heat, petals and seeds that have not yet matured can also fall.
If the plant is stunted, then periodically pinch the top of the bush, and for high bushes, a decorative haircut is required. This allows you to achieve much more bushiness. Perilla tolerates a haircut very well. Low-growing varieties, whose height is not more than 50 cm, are especially appreciated. They can be used as beautiful border plants.
To clean the greens begin at the beginning of flowering. The shoots are cut to a height of about 10 cm from the surface of the earth. During the season spend mainly 2 cuts. Depending on the growing conditions of the plant, the average yield per m 2 is approximately 0.5-5 kg.
Fresh greens are stored for 7 days, if you put it in a glass, hermetically sealed jar and refrigerate. It is not recommended to store it in a plastic bag, since the plant in this case will rot. For long-term storage of greens, various preparations are made from it.
Where is the best to grow
This thermophilic plant loves a bright place, and also does not tolerate a cold wind. Pencil well tolerates penumbra, although it prefers sunny places with constant moisture near the rhizome most of all, but stagnation of water should not be allowed.
Low-growing shrubs look good in the foreground of flower beds and borders. Against the background of lush shrubs with an abundance of luxurious foliage, absolutely any garden plants harmonize, especially with contrasting foliage and bright flowering.
The benefits of railing
The plant is very useful and widely used in medicine, as it helps to strengthen the immune system, maintain the normal state of the heart muscle, bones, and also the organs of vision. Preparations based on railing are used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, in particular, such as colds, bronchitis, and flu. In addition, the plant helps in the absence of appetite, and also effectively copes with nausea and vomiting.
Useful oil obtained from seeds is consumed as food, and is also used in some rites in Shintoism. You can also use the plant for cosmetic purposes. It has a moisturizing, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effect.
Harm of the railing
When using perilla, as well as other plants containing essential oils, you need to be very careful. In addition, it is worth remembering that it has a contraceptive effect. That is why it should be taken with special care by women who want to become pregnant.