How to Grow Stevia

A warm-season herb for the home garden across the warmer US.

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

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 30 cm (12 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Few. In humid regions, Root rot in wet 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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