Stevia Growing Guide
Stevia rebaudiana
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Any average, well drained soil.
Position
Full sun to partial afternoon shade.
Frost tolerant
Stevia is a tender perennial. Parent plants brought through winter indoors provide rootable stems in spring.
Feeding
Not generally needed. If needed, a water soluble organic fertiliser can be provided in midsummer to invigorate plants.
Companions
Stevia is an upright plant which goes with mound-forming herbs.
Spacing
Single Plants: 35cm (1' 1") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Start with a purchased plant, because stevia seeds are very reluctant to sprout.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Frequent pinching back helps to keep plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering.
Harvesting
Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in midsummer, just before the plants bloom.
Troubleshooting
Stevia thrives in warm weather, and may grow slowly under very cool conditions.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Stevia