How to Grow Stevia

Updated June 2026

A warm-season herb for the home garden.

What it looks like as it grows

Stevia is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

🌱 Plant profile: Stevia, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Plant Stevia in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the stevia page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Sweet Leaf, Natural no-calorie sweetener (garden centers)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 12 in between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 1.1 gal per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, Root rot in wet soil can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Stevia is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant stevia where you garden.

See also: Stevia in the plant library →

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