Complete Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Using Stevia

Stevia Cultivation Basics

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a tender perennial grown as an annual in most climates. It thrives in warm conditions and requires specific care for optimal sweetness.

Growing Requirements

• Temperature: Plant outdoors when nighttime temperatures reach 70°F (21°C).
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Well-draining, enriched with compost.
• Pruning: Trim each branch by 1/3 from the top down every 3 weeks to encourage bushiness.
• Container growing: Bring indoors before frost; may not thrive indoors due to mold and whitefly susceptibility.

Harvesting and Processing

1. Cut stems just below flower heads in late morning on a dry day.
2. Place leaves in a perforated paper bag; hang in a dry, airy location.
3. Shake bag weekly until leaves are crisp-dry.
4. Grind dried leaves to powder in a blender; store in dark, airtight jar.

Usage Tips

• Start with 1 teaspoon powder per cup of hot beverage; adjust to taste.
• Expect a slight aftertaste; varieties from Richter's Herbs have minimal aftertaste.
• Make stevia ice cubes: boil 1 leaf per cup water, cool, test sweetness, freeze in trays.
• Stevia may provide a natural energy boost.

Propagation

Order plants early (Richter's: $8 + shipping). Start seeds indoors with bottom heat. Prune regularly during growing season for maximum yield.