Find out how to grow this beautiful flowering plant in your garden with this handy guide. Includes tips on planting, feeding, harvesting and pest control.
Soil
What soil is good for Stevia?
Well draining soil enriched with compost.
Position
How much sun does Stevia need?
Full sun to afternoon shade.
Frost Tolerant
Is Stevia frost tolerant?
Will tolerate light frosts, although will die back in winter and re-shoot in spring.
Spacing
How much space does Stevia need?
Roughly 40cm apart
Planting
When should I plant Stevia?
Plant out in spring once the danger of frost has passed. If sowing seeds, sow indoors in late winter and transplant in spring, or direct sow in spring once temperatures have warmed to roughly 20°C.
If transplanting, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.
Feeding
What do I feed Stevia?
Stevia is not a heavy feeder and will generally grow well in good quality soil without the need for too much additional fertiliser.
Topping up the soil with new compost each spring is beneficial. An application of organic fertiliser in spring is generally sufficient, although you can also apply again in early summer for an additional boost.
Harvesting
When can I harvest Stevia?
Harvest the leaves by cutting stems from the top down as needed (no more than 1/3 of the stem at one time). Regular harvesting will delay flowering and prolong harvest time.
Pests
What pests does Stevia get?
Spider Mites, Aphids, Slugs, Snail, Thrips, Flea Beetles
Diseases
What diseases does Stevia get?
Rust, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Botrytis, Root Rot, Septoria Leaf Spot