Stevia Sweetleaf (Stevia Rebaudiana) - Start Stevia seeds and grow this well-known culinary herb that is used as a sweetener. The leaves are 20 to 30 times sweeter than sugar cane, but with no calories or carbohydrates. Sweetleaf Stevia could even be considered a medicinal herb because it nourishes the pancreas and does not raise blood glucose levels. This makes it not only safe for diabetics but also beneficial. Dieters also benefit from the sweetening of Stevia herb without the harm that artificial sweeteners are known for. The leaves can be applied directly into drinks or made into tea. The dried Stevia leaves can also be ground into powder and used in recipes that call for green Stevia powder. For sweetness, 3 table spoons fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon powder equals 1 cup of sugar.

Stevia is a rewarding plant to grow in the herb garden! It is a tender perennial that is native to subtropical regions. Wild Stevia plants often grow on the edges of marches or streams. The Sweet Leaf herb plant can be successfully grown in the herb garden in most any region. It prefers a well-drained sandy loam. Raised beds ensure that the roots do not have too much moisture, and organic compost and regular watering give adequate moisture and nutrients. In colder, northern climates, grow Stevia herb plants as annuals.

How To Grow Stevia Rebaudiana: Start the Stevia seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a starter mix and gently press the herb seeds into the soil. Lightly cover the Sweet Leaf herb seeds with peat moss. Keep Stevia seeds consistently moist by watering from the bottom of the container. A plastic dome or plastic wrap over the tray or containers is helpful in keeping the moisture in. To encourage a bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the plant 2 to 3 times before transplanting outdoors. Transplant outdoors into a prepared bed after danger of frost has passed. If possible, give the plants some protection from wind. Consistent moisture is important during the summer. Soaker hoses work well for deep weekly watering. Stevia Plants can be wintered indoors if given adequate light. A sunny, south facing window or a fluorescent light is needed.

Harvest the Stevia herb leaves when the flavor is the highest which is before flowering or as soon as the blossoms appear. Stems can be cut in the morning after dew has dried, bunched together and hung upside down in a well-ventilated place. Stevia leaves are crisp and bright green when they are fully dry.

Super Sweet Herb

How To Grow

Stevia seeds are best started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant seeds in a starter mix and press into the soil, then lightly cover with peat moss. Keep seeds moist until germination. To encourage a bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the plant 2 - 3 times before transplanting outdoors. Transplant outdoors into a prepared bed after danger of frost has passed. If possible, give the plants some protection from wind. Consistent moisture is important during the summer. Stevia plants can be wintered indoors if given adequate light.

• Environment: partial shade
• Sowing rate: 2-3 seeds per plant
• Soil: well-drained wit pH 6.1-6.5

Plant Information

Stevia sweetie star is a perennial herb that grows in USDA zones 9 through 10. The leaves are especially useful as sweetening agents, and should be harvested just before the blooms appear in order to yield the sweetest product.

• Bloom color: white
• Herbal use: sweetener
• Bloom season: potentially year-round