Interesting Facts
Stevia is banned for use as a food additive in the European Union, as well as in Singapore and Hong Kong. 
Leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar. Single plant yields up to a 1/2-pound of dried leaf.
| Plant Types: | Herb, Interior Plant, Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 2 feet to 3 feet |
| Width: | 2 feet to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 8a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | White |
| Special Features: | Edible |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Acidic, Well-Drained |
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Plant Care
Planting:
Self-pollination occurs readily among Stevia plants. Sweetleafs are most commonly propagated from stem cuttings.
Self-pollination occurs readily among Stevia plants. Sweetleafs are most commonly propagated from stem cuttings.
Harvesting:
Harvest sweetleafs in fall when the first blossoms open. Continue harvesting throughout the summer. Cut the whole stems, leaving about 1/3 of the stem to allow for regrowth. Remove the leaves from the stems. At that point, the leaves can be eaten fresh off the plant, or stored in an airtight container. The leaves can also be dried or grinded. Sweetleafs maintain their sweetness for many years.
Harvest sweetleafs in fall when the first blossoms open. Continue harvesting throughout the summer. Cut the whole stems, leaving about 1/3 of the stem to allow for regrowth. Remove the leaves from the stems. At that point, the leaves can be eaten fresh off the plant, or stored in an airtight container. The leaves can also be dried or grinded. Sweetleafs maintain their sweetness for many years.
Plant Growth:
Perennials herbs with extensive root systems, found in subtropical and tropical habitats. Sweetleafs grow best with full sun exposure. Grow Stevia as perennials in subtropical regions, but as annuals in mid to high latitude areas. Sweetleafs work well in a herb garden or a border. Where not hardy, raise plants indoors.
Perennials herbs with extensive root systems, found in subtropical and tropical habitats. Sweetleafs grow best with full sun exposure. Grow Stevia as perennials in subtropical regions, but as annuals in mid to high latitude areas. Sweetleafs work well in a herb garden or a border. Where not hardy, raise plants indoors.
Blooming:
Blooms small, white florets in small corymbs. The nectar-filled flowerheads attract bees and butterflies.
Blooms small, white florets in small corymbs. The nectar-filled flowerheads attract bees and butterflies.
Soil and Irrigation:
Stevia grows in most soil types as long as the soil is moist with some drainage. Soil based potting mixes with added grit and humus work fine for indoor plants. Water freely during the growing season; reducing watering after flowering until the flower buds reappear.
Stevia grows in most soil types as long as the soil is moist with some drainage. Soil based potting mixes with added grit and humus work fine for indoor plants. Water freely during the growing season; reducing watering after flowering until the flower buds reappear.
Fertilization:
Sweetleafs need fertile soil to grow well. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer when the flowerheads appear.
Sweetleafs need fertile soil to grow well. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer when the flowerheads appear.
Pruning:
Shoots should be trimmed after the flowering period. Remove dead/damaged plant parts in midspring. Plants grown indoors may require extensive pruning.
Shoots should be trimmed after the flowering period. Remove dead/damaged plant parts in midspring. Plants grown indoors may require extensive pruning.
Pests:
Stevia is prone to rust, powdery mildew, white smut, leaf spots, Southern blight, whiteflies, spider mites, snails, and slugs.
Stevia is prone to rust, powdery mildew, white smut, leaf spots, Southern blight, whiteflies, spider mites, snails, and slugs.