Stevia Herb Seed

Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) "Sugar Bush" is a sub-tropical frost sensitive perennial herb with leaves 20-30 times sweeter than the familiar cane sugar but with low calorie levels. Leaves can be directly applied in hot drinks or made into tea.

It can sweeten any drink with no calories, no carbohydrates, no tooth decay and is diabetic safe. Stevia nourishes the pancreas and does not raise blood glucose levels, making it not only safe for diabetics but also beneficial. Since there are no calories or carbohydrates, stevia is an excellent weight loss aid. It does not contains the negative side effects reported with the use of artificial sweeteners including aspartame.

Stevia grows on most soils from herb seed, but prefers a sandy loam or loam, high in organic matter. Its native soils are on the acid side, but stevia tolerates a wide range of soil pH.

Stevia requires a consistently moist soil, but not watterlogged. Too much soil moisture can cause plant rot. Ideal conditions are most easily provided with raised beds (4-6 inches high and 3 feet wide, with two rows of plants). Moisture is best supplied by a soaker hose such as the "weeping" hoses made from recycled rubber (see the picture above). Mulch is optional, but advisable, especially if a soaker hose is not used. Place the mulch after the weather is consistently warm. Stevia herbs prefers partial shade in climates with considerable summer sunshine. Day length is more critical than light intensity. Long spring and summer days favor leaf growth. Short days trigger blossoming (see photo).

Stevia plants may be held over indoors in winter with the use of a fluorescents shop light left on 14-16 hours per day (use a timer). Pots as small as 3 inches wide may be used. Cuttings from these wintered over plants will provide fresh plants for the spring.

Quantity: 10 Stevia herb seeds = 1 Plant
Season: Perennial
Height: 2 feet
Environment: Partial Shade - Moist, but Well Drained