How to Grow Stevia

Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana

herb

Stevia is a perennial shrubby herb native to South America, prized for its sweet-tasting leaves that contain stevioside and rebaudioside compounds. The plant produces small white flowers and can be used fresh or dried to sweeten beverages and foods without calories. It thrives in warm climates and requires careful attention to moisture and temperature conditions.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade beneficial in very hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-180 days for harvestable leaf production

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Planting depth: 1/8 inch (surface sowing); seeds are tiny and require light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost peat moss perlite or sand for drainage aged bark

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in cooler climates or indoors

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons; growth is slow and delicate

Keep soil consistently moist; use bottom heat (70-75°F) to improve germination; provide bright indirect light; thin seedlings when 2-3 leaves appear

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Plant develops true leaves and a small root system; height reaches 2-4 inches with gradually improving vigor

Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F); avoid transplanting stress; harden off gradually if growing indoors; ensure excellent drainage

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Plant develops bushy growth with multiple stems and expanding foliage; reaches 12-24 inches tall with numerous leaves

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness; fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture; monitor for pests indoors

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Small white to pale pink flowers appear in terminal clusters; plant height stabilizes around 24-36 inches

Pinch off flowers if growing primarily for leaf sweetness (flowering redirects energy); if allowing flowers, continue regular feeding; maintain adequate moisture

Harvest & Maintenance

Ongoing until first frost or plant decline

Plant is at peak sweetness in leaves; can be harvested repeatedly; in warm zones may overwinter and regrow

Harvest leaves regularly to encourage more growth; reduce watering in dormant season; protect from frost; may decline in vigor after 2-3 years, requiring replacement

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Mint Cilantro Parsley Thyme Marigolds

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Cabbage family plants

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or horticultural soap; increase humidity; isolate affected plants
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; sulfur dust or baking soda spray; reduce humidity
Ensure excellent drainage; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; use well-draining soil mix; avoid overwatering
and
Hand-pick; beer traps; copper tape barriers; keep area dry; remove debris

Uses

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Natural sweetener for beverages and foods

Culinary

Stevia leaves contain stevioside and rebaudioside compounds that are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar without calories. Fresh or dried leaves can sweeten tea, coffee, smoothies, baked goods, and other foods. [source]

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Blood sugar regulation and diabetic-friendly sweetening

Medicinal

Stevia has been traditionally used in South America to manage blood sugar levels and is now popular as a sugar substitute for people managing diabetes or blood glucose levels. Some studies suggest stevia may have mild beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. [source]

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Herbal tea for digestion and wellness

Medicinal

Fresh or dried stevia leaves can be brewed into a soothing herbal tea traditionally used to aid digestion and provide antioxidant benefits. The mild sweetness allows for pleasant-tasting herbal infusions without added sugars. [source]

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Home sweetener production and storage

Household

Growing stevia allows for fresh leaf harvests and drying your own supply of natural sweetener, providing a sustainable alternative to commercial sweeteners. Dried leaves can be powdered or used whole in storage containers. [source]

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Ornamental herb garden element

Craft

With its neat bushy form and delicate white flowers, stevia makes an attractive addition to herb gardens and container plantings, combining visual interest with functional harvesting. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves once the plant is established and at least 6-8 inches tall; pinch or cut the top 1/3 of stems regularly to encourage bushiness and continued leaf production. For maximum sweetness, harvest in late morning after dew dries but before intense afternoon heat. Dry leaves by hanging bundles in a warm, airy location (70-80°F) for 1-2 weeks, then store in airtight containers. Fresh leaves can be used immediately in beverages or dried for longer storage. The plant's sweetness is highest before flowering.

Fun Facts

🌱 Stevia rebaudiana is native to the Iguazu region between Paraguay and Brazil, where indigenous Guaraní people have used 'ka'a he'ê' (sweet herb) for centuries to sweeten beverages and foods.
🌱 The sweetening compounds in stevia leaves (stevioside and rebaudioside) are heat-stable and can withstand cooking and baking temperatures, making them suitable for culinary applications unlike some artificial sweeteners.
🌱 Stevia plants can live 2-3 years in warm climates with proper care, but their productivity often declines after the first year, so many growers treat them as annuals and replant each season.

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