The herb Stevia rebaudiana, native to South America, is widely known as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. Its leaves contain steviol glycosides, compounds 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, which sweeten foods and beverages without increasing blood glucose levels. Home cultivation is popular because it provides an accessible supply of fresh leaves and allows growers complete control over the process. This ensures the leaves are free from chemical treatments and allows for the use of the whole leaf, which some prefer over highly purified commercial extracts.
Retail Sources for Stevia Plants and Seeds
The most direct way to begin growing is by purchasing established Stevia plants or rooted cuttings, typically available in late spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed. Local garden centers and independent nurseries are excellent sources, often providing healthy, well-acclimated starter plants and knowledgeable advice specific to your region. These local businesses are the best option for acquiring a vigorous plant that will establish itself quickly.
Big-box stores and chain garden centers also stock Stevia plants, offering convenience and lower prices, but their selection is often seasonal and inconsistent in quality. The plants found here may be less robust or subject to shipping stresses. Online plant retailers and mail-order nurseries provide the widest selection, sometimes including specific cultivars, which is useful if local sources are limited. When ordering online, factor in shipping costs and the potential for the plant to experience shock during transit, requiring acclimatization upon arrival.
Purchasing seeds is the least reliable method for home growers seeking consistency in sweetness. Stevia seeds have naturally low and erratic germination rates, sometimes falling below 20%. Plants grown from seed also exhibit genetic variability, meaning the resulting plants can vary widely in their concentration of sweet glycosides. For this reason, established plants or rooted cuttings, which are clones of a sweet parent plant, are recommended over starting from seed.
Selecting the Best Stevia Plant for Home Growing
When selecting a Stevia plant, focus on visual indicators of health to ensure you are buying a quality specimen. Look for plants with deep green, dense foliage, as richer color generally indicates a higher concentration of steviol glycosides. Avoid plants that show signs of yellowing leaves, spindly growth, or any indication of pests, such as whiteflies or aphids.
A healthy starter plant should have a strong, firm stem and be well-rooted, but not root-bound, in its pot. Gently check the drainage holes to ensure no roots are circling excessively. Choosing a starter plant is preferable because the genetic consistency of vegetatively propagated plants guarantees the sweet characteristics of the parent stock. Stevia is a tender perennial, so buying a plant in the spring or early summer is ideal for maximizing the growing season before it needs to be brought indoors for winter.
Immediate Care and Transplanting Tips
Once you have acquired your Stevia plant, immediate transfer to a suitable environment is necessary to prevent transplant shock. If the plant was shipped or kept indoors, it should be “hardened off” by gradually exposing it to outdoor conditions over a week to prevent leaf burn. Stevia thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily, though it appreciates some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.
The plant needs a loose, loamy, and well-draining soil mixture to prevent root rot caused by standing water. A soil pH between 6.7 and 7.2 is optimal for nutrient uptake and growth. If growing in a container, choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide to accommodate the root system. When transplanting, ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, and water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting to help the soil settle.