The right soil, sunlight, and spacing will help your stevia plants flourish. Let’s go over the basics of planting stevia.
To plant stevia, start with well-draining soil and full sun. Plant the seeds or small plants after the last frost, spacing them about 18 inches apart. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Stevia grows best in warm weather, so make sure it stays warm and gets plenty of sunlight.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of planting stevia, from soil and watering to sunlight and spacing.
SOIL PREPARATION AND TYPE
Stevia thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents root rot by allowing excess water to pass through. Sandy loam soil is ideal because it ensures proper drainage. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. You can test your soil pH at home with a soil pH test kit like this. Adding organic compost to your soil before planting improves drainage and provides essential nutrients for healthy growth.
SUNLIGHT AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS
Make sure to plant stevia in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. At least 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day is ideal for this sweet plant. Stevia prefers warm weather, so it will grow best during the warmer months.
In USDA zones 9 and above, where winters are mild, stevia can be grown as a perennial, thriving in warm temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). However, in colder regions where frost is a concern, stevia struggles with prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C). In these areas, it’s best to grow stevia as an annual or bring it indoors before the first frost.
PLANT SPACING AND LAYOUT
When planning the spacing and layout for your stevia plants, it’s important to consider how big the plants will grow. Stevia plants can reach a height of about 1 to 3 feet and spread out to about 1 to 2 feet wide. This may seem amazing to some, but given a longer growing season in warmer climates stevia really reaches for the sky.
It is standard to space stevia plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow room for growth, ensuring they get plenty of sunlight and air circulation. When laying out your garden, consider planting stevia in rows, keeping the rows about 2 to 3 feet apart for easier maintenance.
The caveat to this is if you are only able to grow stevia outdoors as an annual because of your USDA growing zone. My stevia plants usually reach a little over one feet tall in the garden and are less than six inches wide when mature. This changes how far apart I can plant them. I have more room to plant them closer because my growing season for them is shorter in USDA zone 6.
Also, consider spacing needs of pruned stevia. Like a good soldier, stevia stands tall and at attention. However if you prune your stevia for harvest or to take cuttings for propagation, this will encourage the stevia to have more lateral growth, forming bushier and wider plants.
STARTING STEVIA FROM SEEDS INDOORS
In colder climates (zones 6 and below), it’s best to start stevia seeds indoors. Begin planting your stevia seeds about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. This gives the plants enough time to grow indoors before it’s warm enough to move them outside.
- Prepare Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with drainage holes. Fill them with a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant Seeds: Sprinkle the stevia seeds evenly on the soil surface. Press them into the soil lightly without covering them too much, as they need light to germinate.
- Water Lightly: Moisten the soil gently using a spray bottle or fine watering can, avoiding oversaturation.
- Cover: Cover the seed tray or pots with a plastic dome or wrap to retain moisture and warmth.
Stevia seeds typically take 14 to 21 days to germinate, with an average germination rate of 60-80%. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a warm temperature (around 70°F or 21°C) to encourage sprouting.
TRANSITIONING STEVIA PLANTS FROM INDOORS TO OUTDOORS
Before moving your stevia plants outside, you need to help them adjust to the new conditions, a process called “hardening off.” Start by placing your stevia plants outdoors for a few hours each day, beginning in a shady spot. Gradually increase their time outside, exposing them to more sunlight and outdoor temperatures over the course of a week. Ensure nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C) before fully transplanting the plants outdoors.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSPLANTING
When your stevia plants are ready to move outside, follow these steps for successful transplanting:
- Site Selection: Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.
- Transplanting: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your stevia plant. At this point I will water the empty hole so the stevia roots have immediate access to water. Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots if needed. Set the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole and gently pack the soil around the plant to remove air pockets.
- Watering: After planting, water the stevia plant thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and provide the moisture needed for the plant to start growing in its new home.
CONCLUSION
Growing stevia is a sweet experience, whether you’re planting it in your backyard or a small container on your windowsill. With the right care—well-draining soil, plenty of sunshine, and a bit of patience—this little plant can thrive indoors and out. So why not give it a try? Imagine having fresh stevia leaves at your fingertips, ready to sweeten your favorite drinks and dishes naturally. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, stevia is a fantastic addition to your garden. Happy planting, and enjoy the sweet rewards!
Article 035, Contributor/s: Sheryl CS Johnson and Carol Schwinn