Stevia Rebaudiana, also known as Candyleaf or Sweetleaf, is a tender perennial native to Paraguay. Stevia is most well-known for its sweet-tasting leaves, which are a natural substitute for sugar. Stevia Rebaudiana has an upright, shrubby habit of 18-24" tall and 16-18" wide with clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom in July-August. Grow Sweetleaf as a perennial in zone 9-11; in cold climates, overwinter a container indoors or grow this plant as an annual. Grow Stevia for culinary use in herb gardens, indoor containers, raised beds, or patio containers. It is also a pleasing addition to landscape borders. It flourishes in full sun with regular water. Pair it with Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme for a fine selection of herbs and a garden that delights the senses. In landscape beds, pair herbs with roses and Echinacea for a cottage garden aesthetic. 

These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 3-4 inch pot before planting outside.

 

Size option: 1" plug

                    3-4" pot

 

Growing Tips:

1. Space plants 14-16 inches apart in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly, not allowing the soil to become overly moist.

 

2. To grow for culinary use, snip buds as they appear. Foliage offers superior flavor before flowering.

 

3. In zone 9-11, grow this plant as a perennial. In colder climates, replace the plant each year or grow it in a container to overwinter indoors. It can also succeed as a houseplant in a location with full sun.