Perilla Magilla

Quick! Say the headline three times fast. You can’t without smiling, can you? Honestly, the tongue-twisting name is not the only reason that I chose to feature these two perillas from Ball Horticultural Co. From field trial reports across the country, Magilla Purple continually receives high marks. Magilla Vanilla is no slouch either (even though it’s a little more fun to say).

These annuals look great in mixed containers as well as in beds. Plants are extremely well branched and are drought tolerant. They are also low maintenance and shade tolerant.

During propagation, growing medium temperature should be maintained at 68°-74°. Choose a well-draining medium with a pH of 5.6-5.9. Once roots are visible, the medium should be kept moist but never saturated.

From growing on to finish, plants prefer a soil pH of 5.8-6.0. Day temperatures should be 75°-85°; night temperatures should range from 60°-70°.

According to Ball, both perillas will generally not require any plant growth regulators during production. Plants should be pinched as needed to improve habit.

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For more: Ball Horticultural Co., (800) 879-2255; www.ballseed.com.

- Jyme Mariani