Stevia Ethel Aardvark / CC BY 3.0
herb

Stevia

Overview

A South American herb whose leaves are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories. The Guaraní people of Paraguay have used stevia to sweeten yerba maté tea for centuries. Today, steviol glycosides extracted from the leaves are a major commercial sweetener, but the fresh or dried leaves can be used directly in the kitchen.

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

BasilMarigoldThyme
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, loamy soil with consistent moisture

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Start Indoors Mar — Apr Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; grow as annual
Cold (1-2) Transplant Jun — Jun Transplant after all frost danger; grow as annual
Cold (1-2) Harvest Jul — Sep Harvest leaves before flowering for maximum sweetness
Cool (3-4) Start Indoors Feb — Mar Start indoors; needs warm soil to germinate
Cool (3-4) Transplant May — Jun Transplant after last frost; annual in zones 3-7
Cool (3-4) Harvest Jun — Sep Harvest before flowers open; dry leaves for sweetener
Moderate (5-7) Transplant Apr — May Transplant in spring; perennial in zones 8+
Moderate (5-7) Harvest May — Oct Harvest leaves throughout season; sweetest before bloom
Warm (8-9) Transplant Mar — Apr Transplant in spring; perennial with light mulch
Warm (8-9) Harvest Apr — Nov Harvest as needed
Hot (10+) Transplant Feb — Mar Plant in spring; evergreen perennial in zone 10+
Hot (10+) Harvest Mar — Nov Harvest throughout warm months

Uses

Culinary

  • Fresh or dried leaves to sweeten tea and beverages
  • Powdered as a zero-calorie sugar substitute
  • Added to smoothies and desserts for natural sweetness

Medicinal

  • Zero-calorie sweetener for blood sugar management
  • Some studies suggest mild blood pressure-lowering effects
  • Antioxidant properties in leaf extracts

Other Uses

  • Compact herb for container and kitchen garden growing