Saddad, I do grow it periodically for my Sushi. The Japanese in Vancouver grow it as a houseplant but I think it is a bit big for that, although I have done it. I gave it a spot in the garden with the herbs here, annual of course but it self seeds easlily and it isn't bothered by cold. It does like to be moist though, we grew it by the edge of our brook in Canada cos that is what the old Japanese fella who gave me the seeds told us to do and it grew beautifully, we grew the green one as well. I know it as Ako Shiso. Try it in a big pot outside and keep it damp, you should be OK. I don't know about the nettles but it doesn't sting.XX Jeannine