Incredibly sweet leaves are an herbal alternative to sugar. Use fresh, dried, powdered, or as a liquid to sweeten a variety of foods and beverages. Bushy, high-yielding plants.
Perennial in Zones 9-11. For bushier plants, pinch back growing tips every few weeks for the first 1-2 months. Stevia will not tolerate temperatures below 45°F. Stevia is an ideal plant to grow in containers as a houseplant or on the patio. For container growing, choose a pot that is at least 14″ across and provide soil that is well-drained. Keep evenly moist.
Pick in the morning and before flowering occurs for the highest sugar content. Leaves may be harvested throughout the season once the plant has become established. To dry, hang small bunches of stems in a well-ventilated, dry location out of direct sunlight. Dried leaves may be ground into powder for storage.
SEED: Stevia seed from Johnny’s Selected Seed
LATIN NAME: Stevia rebaudiana
DAYS TO MATURITY: 100-120 days