Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
Stevia is a perennial herb widely cultivated for it's unique sweet leaves which are used as a natural sweetener. Stevia, also known as Sweet Leaf, Candy Leaf, or Sugar Leaf, is a related to sunflowers and is native to Brazil and Paraguay.
Although the common Stevia sweetener that we see in the grocery store is made from a Stevia extract, leaves from the plant can be picked fresh and simply crushed and added to your teas or smoothies. Leaves can also easily be dried and ground into a powder. With Stevia, it's easy to grow your own natural sweetener at home! Helpful Hint: as a sweetener, 1/4 of ground leaves is equal to 1 tsp of sugar.
Plant Type:
Perennial Evergreen Herb
Easily grown in cooler climates as an annual
Harvest Season:
Year-round
Mature Size:
Up to 1-2 ft. tall and wide.
Soil & Moisture:
Loves rich, moist, well-draining soil.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Grown in colder zones as an annual.
Propagation:
Our Stevia is grown from seed and capable of bountiful harvests within one growing season.
