{"product_id":"stevia-plants","title":"Stevia rebaudiana, Sugar Bush","description":"\u003ch2\u003eStevia Plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStevia 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Plant\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3' Tall, 12\" Spread\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e(smaller in containers)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTime:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual, Tiny white flowers are produced in first year and are easily sheared.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Exposure: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull Sun\/Some Shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type\/pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained\/6.0-7.5 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e:  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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e: Keep evenly moist for harvestable leaves.  Will tolerate drought but the leaves tend to become stronger in flavor                                                                                                    \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainer Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.5\" Pot, 1 Plant\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Streambank Gardens","offers":[{"title":"In Stock","offer_id":42109513728055,"sku":null,"price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/7171\/files\/Stevia_Plants.jpg?v=1771073601","url":"https:\/\/www.streambankgardens.com\/products\/stevia-plants","provider":"Streambank Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}