How to Grow Stevia

To grow your own stevia plant from stem cuttings:

Choose the site. Stevia needs full sun to thrive, so pick a spot with at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Prepare the soil bed. ...
Select and prepare the stems. ...
Plant the cuttings. ...
Keep moist. ...
Transplant to the garden.

Is Stevia easy to grow?
How long does it take stevia to grow?
Is Stevia an annual or perennial?
Why was Stevia banned?
Is Stevia bad for your kidneys?
How do you harvest stevia so it keeps growing?
How often should I water stevia plant?
Why is stevia banned in India?
Does Stevia attract ants?
Should I let stevia flower?
Can you eat raw stevia leaves?
What grows well with stevia?

Is Stevia easy to grow?

Stevia is an easy-to-grow herb that is hardy zones 8-11 and will be happy in a container, making it easy to bring it indoors for the winter in cold climates. Provide full sun, well-drained soil and even moisture until the plant is fully established. Once it is, stevia is a low maintenance plant.

How long does it take stevia to grow?

Stevia is ready to harvest about 40 days after transplanting. It is best just before flowers form. Stevia leaves are sweeter than the stem so usually only the leaves are used. They may be used fresh to flavor drinks or used as a garnish.

Is Stevia an annual or perennial?

Frost tolerant

Stevia is a tender perennial grown as a vegetatively propagated annual. Parent plants brought through winter indoors provide rootable stems in spring.

Why was Stevia banned?

Though widely available throughout the world, in 1991 stevia was banned in the U.S. due to early studies that suggested the sweetener may cause cancer. ... In December 2008, the FDA accepted this argument, declared stevia GRAS, and allowed its use in mainstream U.S. food production.

Is Stevia bad for your kidneys?

There's concern that raw stevia herb may harm your kidneys, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. It may also drop blood pressure too low or interact with medications that lower blood sugar.

How do you harvest stevia so it keeps growing?

Remove the leaves from the stems and use the leaves to make fresh tea or liquid extract. You can also dry the leaves by tying the stems and bundles and hanging them in a cool, dark place until the leaves dry. In the fall, harvest the entire plant after the weather has dipped.

How often should I water stevia plant?

If you garden in containers, give your stevia plant at least a 12-inch pot with a quality potting mix. Place it in full sun, and water whenever the top inch of potting soil feels dry.

Why is stevia banned in India?

IT HAS been touted as a healthy, natural sweetener but according to the law, stevia cannot be used. In fact, one may face legal action if caught selling stevia in any form, says the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). On July 26, FSSAI issued a notification clarifying that stevia is not a food item.

Does Stevia attract ants?

Some people believe that artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, are effective ant poisons. This is not the case. Since ants are not attracted to artificial sweeteners, they make poor baits.

Should I let stevia flower?

LTM's Top Tip: Do Not Let Stevia Form Flowers

As soon as it flowers, the leaves lose much of their sweetness. I don't know why, but take my word for it. I have been growing stevia for over ten years, and it happens every time. Suddenly, the same-sized leaf from the same plant has a very different taste.

Can you eat raw stevia leaves?

Use the Fresh Leaves

Add fresh stevia leaves to beverages or foods as a sweet, edible garnish. Although the fresh leaves are less sweet than dried leaves, they're still much sweeter than sugar. Taste-test your beverage before serving to ensure you don't over-sweeten your drink.

What grows well with stevia?

Companion Plants:

Good Companions
Marigolds	Marjoram
Oranges	Oregano
Rhubarb	St John's Wort
Tarragon	Thyme