Stevia rebaudiana

Sowing and care tips

Sow Stevia rebaudiana seeds indoors with gentle warmth before the last frost, then transplant or sow outside once frost has passed and the soil is warm; in mild climates, sow during the warm season. Choose a bright site in full sun to light shade and provide a well‑drained, moderately fertile mix kept evenly moist. Sow thinly, barely cover, and maintain steady moisture without waterlogging. Grow on to a medium, bushy plant by pinching young tips and giving space for airflow. Harden off seedlings before setting out, and protect from cold snaps and prolonged wet. Harvest foliage once plants are established.

• Start indoors with gentle warmth before last frost; sow or transplant outside after frost when soil is warm; in mild climates sow during the warm season.
• Position in full sun to light shade; shelter from cold winds.
• Use well-drained, moderately fertile soil; keep evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
• Give room to branch and maintain airflow; pinch young tips for a bushy habit.
• Suitable for containers; choose free-draining compost and water consistently.
• Leaves are used in culinary preparations; harvest lightly once plants are established.

How do you grow Stevia rebaudiana from seed?

Sow seeds indoors with gentle warmth and bright light, pressing them onto the surface of fine, moist seed mix and only barely covering, as light helps germination. Keep the medium evenly moist (never waterlogged) and maintain steady warmth until seedlings appear. Provide good airflow and bright light to prevent legginess, then pot on carefully once true leaves form. Harden seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions and transplant when nights are mild and the soil is warm. Direct sowing outdoors is possible in reliably warm periods, but indoor starts generally give a more even stand.

When should stevia seeds be sown after frost?

Start stevia indoors before the last frost with gentle bottom warmth, so seedlings are ready to move outside once all frost risk has passed and the soil has warmed. Transplant or sow outdoors only after the last frost when nights stay mild and the ground is workable. In mild climates, sowing during the warm season is suitable, avoiding cool, wet spells. For regions with long, cool springs, earlier indoor sowing helps the plants reach strong size by early summer.

What are the ideal growing conditions and soil for Stevia rebaudiana?

Stevia grows best in full sun to light shade, thriving in a sheltered, warm spot. It prefers a well-drained, moderately fertile soil that retains some moisture without staying soggy; mixes amended with fine compost work well. Keep moisture even through the growing season, allowing the top surface to dry slightly between waterings but avoiding drought or standing water. A light, balanced feed during active growth supports steady foliage, while heavy nitrogen is unnecessary. Mulch can help regulate moisture and temperature, provided it does not touch stems.

How far should stevia plants be spaced, and what size do they reach?

Space stevia plants about 30–45 cm apart to allow branching and good airflow, with similar spacing between rows or containers. This gap lets the plants form their natural medium, bushy habit without crowding, which helps reduce humidity around leaves and supports healthier growth. In favourable conditions, plants develop into compact mounds through the warm season; avoid tight spacing in humid climates where airflow is especially important.

Can stevia grow in containers?

Stevia is well suited to containers, provided drainage is excellent and the potting mix is light and free-draining. A container roughly 20–30 cm wide per plant allows room for a bushy root system, with a slightly larger size in hotter climates to buffer moisture. Water to keep the mix evenly moist, never saturated, and position the pot in full sun to light shade. Refresh the top layer of mix or repot as needed to maintain fertility, and rotate the container periodically for balanced growth.

How do I prune stevia for bushier growth and overwinter the plants?

Pinch growing tips when plants are young to encourage side shoots, then continue light tip-pruning through the season to maintain a compact, leafy shape; remove spent flower stalks if leafy growth is the goal. In regions with cool winters, stevia is sensitive to frost and may be treated as a warm-season plant or overwintered indoors in bright, cool conditions with reduced watering. In mild climates, a light autumn trim and a protective mulch can help crowns persist, with new shoots emerging as warmth returns.

This information provides general growing guidance intended for a wide range of conditions. Outcomes can vary with microclimate, soil structure and fertility, drainage, exposure, and seasonal patterns (for example, sowing after last frost or when soil is workable may be appropriate in some areas). For precise details—such as sowing depth, spacing, timing cues and any special treatments—individual product pages include the most relevant instructions for the seed offered.

Further information on stevia propagation

Stevia rebaudiana seeds benefit from warmth and light during germination. Sow on the surface of fine, moist seed-starting mix after the last frost or when indoor conditions provide steady warmth; pressing seeds in rather than covering improves light exposure. A temperature of around 21–24°C and gentle humidity encourage sprouting within 7–21 days. Transplant seedlings once they have several true leaves, spacing 30–45 cm apart in well-drained, fertile soil. Keep moisture consistent but avoid waterlogging, and provide full sun to bright conditions. Pinching growing tips promotes a bushier habit. In mild climates, late-season sowing can succeed, while in cooler areas start under cover when soil is workable. Leaves are typically taken before flowering to maintain leaf quality. For provenance notes, variety options, and general seed handling guidance, see SeedsChoice.