Grow Stevia from Home
Grow Your Own Sweetness: How to Plant and Harvest Stevia at Home
If you’re looking for a natural way to satisfy your sweet tooth straight from the garden, Stevia might be your new favorite plant. This leafy herb, native to South America, has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener—and the best part? It’s up to 300 times sweeter than sugar without the calories or carbs.
Whether you’re homesteading on an acre or gardening in pots on the patio, Stevia is a surprisingly simple and rewarding plant to grow.
Why Grow Stevia?
Stevia rebaudiana is not only easy to grow, but it’s also a fantastic alternative for anyone trying to reduce refined sugar. A few dried leaves can sweeten your tea, lemonade, or even baked goods. And when you grow it yourself, you know it’s pure, pesticide-free, and full of love.
How to Plant Stevia
Starting from Seed or Buying Starts:
Stevia can be a little tricky to start from seed, as germination rates are low. If you’re a beginner, consider buying young starter plants from a local nursery or online. If you’re up for a challenge, start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost date.
Stevia loves warm weather and well-drained soil. If your winters are cold (below 30°F), grow it in a pot so you can bring it inside. In warmer zones (9+), it can be treated as a perennial.
Light & Soil Needs:
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Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
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Soil: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a neutral pH
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Spacing: 18 inches apart
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Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy—Stevia doesn’t like wet feet!
Growing Tips from the Garden
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Pinch back new growth to encourage bushier plants.
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Mulch around the base to keep moisture in and weeds out.
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Fertilize lightly—too much nitrogen can reduce the sweetness.
Harvesting and Using Stevia
When to Harvest:
You can start harvesting leaves once the plant is 12″ tall, but the sweetest leaves appear right before flowering—usually in late summer.
✂️ How to Harvest:
Snip off stems in the morning after dew has dried. For best results, dry the leaves in a warm, dark place or use a dehydrator.
How to Use:
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Dried leaves: Crush and add to teas or infuse in hot water
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Stevia powder: Grind dried leaves into a fine powder
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Homemade extract: Soak crushed leaves in alcohol or water for 24–48 hours, then strain
A Sweet Addition to Your Garden
Growing Stevia is a fun and satisfying project—especially when you’re able to sweeten your drinks with something that came from your own backyard. It’s a perfect example of how gardening can nourish both the body and soul.
So go ahead, sweet one—plant a little Stevia this season. Your future self (and your sweet tea) will thank you.
Here’s a video you may enjoy….let me know in the comments 🙂
