Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) commonly known as Sweetleaf, is a plant native to Paraguay and Brazil that has been used for centuries for its sweet properties and as a medicinal remedy that helps support digestion and reduce inflammation. The leaves of this plant provide a natural sweetener that is 200-400 times sweeter than sugar.
If you are searching for a natural sweetener to add to your survival garden, stevia may be of interest to you. However, this plant can be a real challenge to grow from seed, even for the most experienced gardener. Many choose to propagate stevia from cuttings or purchase live plants from a greenhouse or garden center.
If you would like to grow stevia from seed, we're here to help. However, it is important to be patient and willing to accept a low success rate. The germination rate of stevia seeds is extremely low -- between 10 and 40%! You will have to plant more seeds than you normally would to end up with the desired number of plants. Stevia seed is also quite expensive, so we do not recommend this seed for beginning gardeners.
Are you still willing to try? Don't say we didn't warn you. The good news is that only three plants will likely be enough to provide a family of four with all the sweeteners they could need. It is also very easy to propagate cuttings after you've established a plant.
Here are some helpful tips if you would like to grow stevia from seed.
Germinating Stevia from Seed
Germination can take between 10 to 21 days under ideal conditions.
Soil
Stevia prefers a slightly acidic, slightly sandy, well-drained soil. Sow your seeds in a damp, sterile seed starting mix. The seeds are very light and tiny, so handle them carefully. Seedlings do not like their roots to be disturbed, so be sure to use a container that will allow you to transplant the seedlings easily.
Seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and just barely covered as light aids in germination.
Temperature
Stevia is a tropical plant, so it naturally prefers a warm environment. A seedling heat mat can aid in germination. Soil should be kept around 71°F (22°C). Keep the soil evenly moist by using a spray bottle to mist the soil instead of direct watering or watering from the bottom. Damping-off or mold can be an issue with this plant, so monitor your watering carefully.
Light
Light is important for germination and the growth of seedlings. Keep your plant lights 2 inches above the soil and seedlings as they grow to keep them from becoming “leggy”.
Growing Stevia
Once all danger of frost is past, harden off and transplant your seedlings. Stevia will grow as a perennial in zones 8 and above, otherwise it can be grown as an annual. It grows well in containers if you want to grow indoors. This plant grows well in cooler summers with lots of light. It can tolerate some afternoon shade.
Plants should be placed 8 to 10 inches apart in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.2. If planting on containers, put 1 to 2 plants per pot. Stevia does not need regular fertilizer and too much nitrogen will reduce the sweetness of the leaves.
Stevia is deer and pest-resistant, but it does have brittle branches, so you will want to place the plants in a low-traffic area. Regular pruning will encourage bushy growth.
Propagating Stevia
Once you have healthy, established stevia plants, you may want to propagate more by using cuttings. This is a simple process:
- Cut stems 6-8 inches long from just below a node of leaves
- Strip leaves from the lower 1/3 of the stem
- Dip in rooting hormone to encourage root growth
- Bury 1 inch of the stem in moist soil
- Transplant after about 4 weeks
Harvesting Stevia
To harvest stevia for use as a sweetener or for medicinal purposes, cut the leaves before the plant goes to flower. It is best to harvest in the morning when the sugar content of the leaves is highest. Wash and hang the leaves to dry in a well-ventilated area away from light.
Using Stevia
Stevia has a licorice-like flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste and has been used since the 16th century to sweeten tea and other beverages. To sweeten beverages, you can simply add 1 fresh leaf to your cup, however, many people use the dried leaves or a powder made from grinding the dried leaves. Two tablespoons of stevia powder has the equivalent sweetness of a cup of sugar, so a little will go a long way.
One useful way to use stevia is to make a simple syrup from the dried leaves.
Stevia syrup:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup dried stevia leaves
- Steep for 24 hours, strain the leaves
- Cook the mixture on low heat until reduced to syrup.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Whether you are a gardener who likes a challenge or a homesteader looking for a natural sweetener to grow for your family, stevia is a valuable plant. If you start with realistic expectations and handle the seeds with care and attention, you can grow stevia from seed!
