Stevia rebaudiana, Sugar Bush

Stevia Plants

Stevia might seem new but people of Paraguay and Brazil have been using this sweetener for over two-hundred years.  Commercialization first occurred in Japan in the 1970's in the liquid form and now this herb has spread throughout the globe as a low calorie alternative to sugar.

We have grown this stevia for a few years now and it is a very vigorous grower.  Loving the heat it transfers the energy into abundant amounts of leaves.  Our plants normally top out at 3' in the garden, but in a container they are easily maintained as shorter plants.  Stevia leaves make a great addition to teas, lemonade, and can be used to make a simple syrup for adding to other drinks and recipes.  The flavor is a muted mint taste with the sweetness of a glaze.  If the leaves are left to steep for longer periods (2-3 days) it will pick up a slight licorice flavor.

Mature Plant Size: 3' Tall, 12" Spread (smaller in containers)
Bloom Time: Annual, Tiny white flowers are produced in first year and are easily sheared.
Light Exposure: Full Sun/Some Shade
Soil Type/pH: Well-drained/6.0-7.5 
Fertilizer:  Apply compost or an all-purpose granular feed at planting.  Provide a liquid feeding late in the season if growth slows.  Avoid over-feeding with high nitrate fertilizers as the plants will fall over and won't be as safe to eat. 
Water: Keep evenly moist for harvestable leaves.  Will tolerate drought but the leaves tend to become stronger in flavor                                                                                                    Container Size: 4.5" Pot, 1 Plant