Stevia plants are a species of small, sweet-tasting shrubs native to South America. They are members of the Asteraceae family, and are related to daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. Stevia plants have been used for centuries to sweeten foods and beverages, and are now widely used as a sugar substitute. The leaves of the stevia plant are the source of its sweetness, and can be dried and ground into a powder for use in cooking and baking. The plant is easy to grow in a variety of climates and soil types, and can be propagated from cuttings or seeds.
Planning Your Garden With Stevia
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Stevia is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for Stevia is 9-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Stevia is a very cold-tolerant plant and can withstand temperatures down to 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for stevia is 90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown stevia plant is between 1 and 2 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing stevia is 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Stevia is tolerant of full sun and can even tolerate light shade. It does best in warm climates, but can handle temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C). |
| Shade tolerance | Stevia is considered to be a shade tolerant plant, meaning it can grow in partial to full shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and conditions. |
| Water requirements | Stevia plants require well-drained soil and regular watering. They should be watered deeply and evenly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. During the growing season, Stevia plants should receive 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. During the winter months, water requirements can be reduced to about 1 inch of water per month. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing stevia will depend on the type of fertilizer used, the soil type, and the stage of growth of the stevia plants. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended for stevia plants. The amount of fertilizer used should be based on the soil test results and the stage of growth of the plants. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing stevia is between 5.5 and 6.5. |
Why Stevia is Popular
People like to grow stevia because it is a natural sweetener that is much healthier than sugar. It is low in calories, has no artificial ingredients, and is much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. Additionally, it can be grown easily in most climates, making it a great addition to any garden.
Companion Plants For Stevia
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for stevia include:
Common Pests For Stevia
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow stevia, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
