Sowing and Growing of Stevia

Stevia, also known as candyleaf, sweetleaf or sugarleaf, is a perennial plant native to South and Central America, where it was used by Indian tribes as a sweetener. They also used it as a medicine, for example to threat stomach and intestinal problems. In the Netherlands, stevia is often grown as an annual, because the weather in the winter is too cold to let the plant overwinter outside. Grown in pots, the plant can be put in a frost-free spot during the winter months. This will allow harvesting of the plant for about 5 years. Cultivation from seed will take quite a long time and the plant needs a lot of heat. That is why it is important to pre-sow indoors, in a warm, sunny and humid spot. 

Growing stevia from seeds

Stevia, also called candyleaf, sweetleaf or sugarleaf, belongs to the composite family. The leaves can be used as an alternative to sugar and are many times sweeter than ordinary sugar. The sweetener stevio glycosides, which can be 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, are also extracted from these leaves. You can grow stevia from seeds yourself. It is not easy and takes a relatively long time because the seeds have a long germination time and the plant needs some care. But the tips below will help you successfully grow stevia.

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Sowing and planting of stevia

Sowing stevia can basically be done, indoors, from February to June. It takes quite a long time before the stevia plant is big enough to harvest from, so start early, but not before February. Stevia seeds germinate moderately and are light germinators. This means they need enough light to germinate. If necessary, a special grow light can be used. Sow indoors in a warm place, ideally above 20 degrees C. Make sure the soil does not dry out. Growing stevia from seeds is difficult.

Position and soil

Stevia likes a sunny spot in the garden and sandy or loamy soil. To make lots of leaves, the plant needs fertiliser, high in nitrogen. Before transplant, work compost or manure through the soil and also, occasionally, give nutrients during growth.  However, too much fertiliser can result in the plant growing too fast and the leaves not developing sufficiently.

How to care for your stevia plants

The most important thing is to water with care and prune regularly. The plant absolutely cannot stand dryness, but too much water is also disastrous. So, water small amounts frequently. Regular pruning stimulates the plant's growth. 

When and how to harvest stevia?

Harvesting can be done until the plant starts flowering. This is usually in September. Harvest small quantities of stevia regularly, for immediate use. overwintering indoors can extend growth.

How to preserve stevia

Fresh Stevia does not preserve long. So, pick stevia shortly before use. In the fridge, stevia can be kept for about a day. Stevia can be frozen and dried, without affecting its sweetness. However, the leaves do become a bit limp after freezing.

Is stevia healthy?

Stevia is low in calories and a healthy substitute for sugar. Be careful with the amount; for the chemical stevioglycosides, which is extracted from stevia, is an acceptable daily intake (ADI) defined. Of course, with fresh stevia this is difficult to quantify, but something to keep in mind when using fresh stevia.

Stevia seeds in our collection

In our range, we have the seeds of stevia 'Rebaundiana' from the brand 'Buzzy Seeds'.

Tips to grow stevia

• Start sowing stevia early, the seeds germinate slowly and unevenly.
• Stevia seeds are light germinators. If there is still insufficient daylight, a grow light can be used.

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