The Stevia plant is native to South America, and has long been grown for its sweet leaves. Stevia extract contains up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar! This beautiful little plant is quickly becoming a popular natural sugar substitute. Although it is sweet, stevia is also known to contain natural insect-repelling properties, bypassed by aphids, grasshoppers, and other harmful pests. (The production of their super sweetness found in the plant’s leaves, is actually a deterrent to insects who can’t stand such an overdose of sugary flavor!)
Stevia is difficult to grow from seed because many places do not carry stevia seeds and it can be difficult to germinate them at home- so let us do all of the hard work for you! Our stevia plants are well-established and ready to be added right to your garden. Stevia is relatively sensitive to cold climates, so be sure any threat of frost has dissipated and soil temperatures are above 50 degrees before you plant outside. Stevia likes well-drained, rich and loamy soils. Add some compost to the top of your beds– the shallow roots will soak the nutrients right up.
Are you a container-gardener? Stevia is quite versitile and will grow great in pots on your porch, balcony, or windowsill as well.