Soil
Any average, well drained soil.
Position
Full sun to partial afternoon shade.
Frost tolerant
Stevia is a tender perennial grown as a vegetatively propagated annual. Parent plants brought through winter indoors provide rootable stems in spring.
Feeding
Not generally needed. If needed, a water soluble fertilizer can be provided in midsummer to invigorate plants.
Companions
Thyme and Marjoram. Stevia is an upright plant which goes with mound-forming herbs.
Spacing
Single Plants: 1′ 1″ (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11″ (30cm) with 1′ 3″ (40cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Start with a purchased plant, because stevia seeds are very reluctant to sprout. Plants are grown from rooted cuttings taken from greenhouse-grown plants.
Notes
Frequent pinching back helps to keep plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering.
Harvesting
Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in midsummer, just before the plants bloom.
Troubleshooting
Stevia thrives in warm weather, and may grow slowly under very cool conditions.
