How to Grow Stevia: Complete Guide to Natural Sweetener Plants

Common stevia is the most widely available variety. It has green leaves with a high sweetness level. It grows 12-24 inches tall and is excellent for sweetening teas and beverages.

Dwarf stevia is a compact variety that grows 6-12 inches tall. It is perfect for containers and small gardens. It has a slightly lower sweetness level but is easier to grow in limited spaces.

Sweet Leaf stevia is known for its high sweetness level. It is the most commonly grown variety for commercial and home use.

Choose the variety based on your garden space and whether you want it for culinary or ornamental purposes.

Stevia needs full sun. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best growth and highest sweetness.

Well-draining soil is essential. Stevia does not like wet feet and can develop root rot in poorly drained soil.

Stevia prefers rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Amend the soil with compost before planting.

Stevia is a tender perennial and is not frost-tolerant. In cold climates, it must be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.

Stevia is excellent for herb gardens, container gardens, and kitchen gardens.

Plant stevia in spring after the last frost. The soil should be at least 60°F.

Stevia is best grown from transplants (starts). Seeds are very tiny and can be difficult to germinate.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost if you want to grow from seed. Use a fine seed-starting mix and do not cover the seeds because they need light to germinate.

Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Stevia grows into bushy plants and needs room to spread.

Water well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Water stevia regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Do not let the soil dry out completely.

Water at the base of the plant, not overhead, to prevent fungal diseases.

Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants. This retains moisture, keeps roots cool, and suppresses weeds.

Stevia does not need much fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can reduce the sweetness of the leaves.

If the soil is poor, apply a light application of balanced fertilizer at planting time.

Pinch back stevia when the plant reaches 6-8 inches tall. This encourages branching and bushy growth.

Remove flower buds as soon as they appear. Flowering reduces the sweetness of the leaves.

If you want to harvest leaves for sweetening, do not let the plant flower. The leaves are sweetest before flowering.

In fall, cut back the plant to the ground if you are growing it as an annual. In warm climates, it will come back in spring.

Harvest stevia leaves just before the plant flowers. This is when the leaves are the sweetest.

Cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried. This is when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Use sharp pruning shears to cut stems. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Do not harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time. This allows the plant to recover.

To dry stevia, hang bundles of stems upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Alternatively, dry leaves on a screen or paper towels.

Once dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Crush or grind the dried leaves to use as a powdered sweetener.

Stevia is not frost-tolerant. In cold climates (Zones 3-8), it must be overwintered indoors.

Before the first frost, dig up the plant or bring containers indoors. Place in a sunny window with 6-8 hours of light.

Reduce watering in winter. Water only when the soil is dry. Stevia needs less water in winter.

In spring, after the last frost, move the plant back outdoors.

You can also take cuttings from the plant in late summer and root them indoors for spring planting.

Aphids can attack stevia. Use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to control them.

Spider mites can appear in dry conditions. Increase humidity and use insecticidal soap.

Root rot occurs in poorly drained soil. Ensure good drainage and do not overwater.

Powdery mildew can appear in humid conditions. Prevent it by providing good air circulation and watering at the base.

Stevia may become leggy if it does not get enough sun. Move to a sunnier location.