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Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana

Use fresh, dried, powdered, or as a liquid to sweeten a variety of foods and beverages. Bushy, high-yielding plants. Perennial in Zones 9-11.

Harvest

100-120d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

9–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Stevia in USDA Zone 9

All Zone 9 herb →

Zone Map

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Stevia · Zones 9–11

What grows well in Zone 9? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-draining, sandy loam with good organic content

pH6.7-7.2

WaterConsistent moisture, avoid waterlogged conditions

SeasonTender Perennial

FlavorIntensely sweet with slight licorice aftertaste, some varieties have bitter notes

ColorBright green serrated leaves with small white flowers

SizeSmall to medium leaves, 1-2 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
Zone 10	January – January	February – April	—	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Stem Cutting.

Harvesting

The fruit is a indehiscent, dry achene that contains one seed.

Type: Achene.

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves are highly edible and used as a sweetener. They can be eaten immediately after harvesting from the plant. They can be used to make teas or dried.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh stevia leaves stay potent for 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag. For longer storage, stevia leaves dry beautifully and actually concentrate in sweetness when properly preserved.

Air-dry whole stems by hanging them in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 12-24 hours until leaves crumble easily. Strip dried leaves from stems and store in airtight containers away from light—properly dried stevia retains sweetness for up to two years.

For powdered stevia, grind thoroughly dried leaves in a coffee grinder and sift through fine mesh to remove stems. The powder is 10-15 times more concentrated than fresh leaves. Freezing fresh leaves works well for tea use—freeze whole leaves on baking sheets, then store in freezer bags for up to 8 months.

History & Origin

Origin: Brazil to Paraguay

Advantages

+Edible: Leaves are highly edible and used as a sweetener. They can be eaten immediately after harvesting from the plant. They can be used to make teas or dried.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack stevia

Marigold

Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Cilantro

Attracts beneficial predatory insects and provides ground cover

Chives

Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids and improves soil health

Oregano

Repels common garden pests and has similar growing requirements

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects and provides companion harvesting opportunities

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Thyme

Natural fungicide properties help prevent disease spread

Keep Apart

Mint

Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm stevia and compete for nutrients

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits stevia growth and development

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most companion plants including stevia

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally resistant, susceptible to root rot in wet conditions

Common Pests

Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites

Diseases

Root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does stevia take to grow from seed?▼

Stevia takes 90-120 days from seed to first harvest. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outdoors when soil reaches 60°F. You can begin harvesting leaves when plants reach 8 inches tall, with peak sweetness occurring just before flowering in late summer.

Can you grow stevia in pots?▼

Yes, stevia grows excellently in containers. Use pots at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes, as stevia cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Container growing actually helps control moisture levels and allows you to move plants indoors in cold climates. Use well-draining potting mix and water only when soil surface feels dry.

What does fresh stevia taste like?▼

Fresh stevia leaves taste intensely sweet—up to 300 times sweeter than sugar—with a slight licorice or bitter aftertaste depending on the variety. Young leaves are sweetest with minimal bitterness, while older leaves and stems become more bitter. The sweetness is immediate but may leave a lingering aftertaste some find medicinal.

Is stevia easy to grow for beginners?▼

Stevia has moderate difficulty due to its sensitivity to overwatering and specific germination requirements. Beginners often struggle with the tiny seeds and watering balance. However, once established, plants are relatively low-maintenance. Start with transplants rather than seeds if you're new to gardening.

When should I harvest stevia leaves for maximum sweetness?▼

Harvest stevia in early morning after dew dries but before heat builds up, when sweet compounds are most concentrated. The sweetest harvest occurs just before flowering in late summer. Cut stems rather than individual leaves for best results, and never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once.

Can stevia survive winter outdoors?▼

Stevia survives winter outdoors only in zones 9-11 with protection from hard freezes. In colder climates, bring potted plants indoors before first frost or treat as an annual. Indoor overwintering requires bright light and careful watering—plants often go dormant and resume growth in spring.