Stevia Sweet Leaf - Sugar Plant (Stevia rebaudiana)

Zones: Perennial in zones 9, 10. Otherwise Annual

Special Features:

Stevia is widely grown for its sweet leaves.  As a sweetener and sugar substitute, Stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar.  Because Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to people on carbohydrate-controlled diets.

How Difficult To Grow?

Given a sunny location with well-drained soil Stevia is easy to grow.  The difficult part about adding Stevia to your garden is the germination.  Germination rates can be very low. Stevia can also be propagated by stem cuttings which root very easily.

Seed Germination Instructions:

Sow Stevia rebaudiana seeds (tiny seeds!) on the surface of seed starting mixture 8 weeks before last frost date.  Stevia seeds will usually germinate in 5 to 15 days, but even under the best conditions germination may be low. Provide good drainage and do not over water.  Harden off before planting outdoors.

Care Instructions:

Except for in subtropical regions, Stevia is grown as an annual.  Stevia requires a bit more moisture than most herbs and well-drained soil.

Harvest Instructions:

Harvest Stevia before the first blossoms appear for the sweetest flavor.  Hang entire plant upside down to dry or strip leaves from the stems to dry.

Stevia- Sugar Plant Videos: