Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a tender perennial requiring warm, long seasons. It prefers light, well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5; it does poorly in heavy clay or wet conditions. Start from cuttings or nursery transplants rather than seed — seed germination rates are notoriously low (30–40% even under ideal conditions) and flavor compounds vary widely in seedlings. Transplant outdoors after all frost risk has passed and temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Space 18 inches apart in full sun. Water moderately — stevia needs consistent moisture but excellent drainage; waterlogged roots kill plants quickly. Fertilize sparingly with a low-phosphorus fertilizer once at planting; over-fertilization dilutes the glycoside concentration that makes leaves sweet. The key harvest timing rule is critical: harvest before the plant flowers. Once stevia flowers, stevioside content in leaves drops sharply. Pinch out flower buds as they appear to extend the productive harvest season.