Stevia also known as sweetleaf or sugar leaf, is a plant native to South America, particularly Paraguay and Brazil. It is well known for its exceptionally sweet leaves. The natural sweeteners in the leaves, known as steviol glycosides, are approximately 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, while a fresh leaf tastes about 20 to 30 times sweeter than the same amount of sugar.
The young leaves can be used both fresh and dried as a natural sweetener. They are ideal for sweetening tea, coffee, herbal tea, lemonade, smoothies, yoghurt, cottage cheese, fruit, desserts, jams and baked goods. The leaves can also be added to fruit compotes and fruit sauces during cooking. Fresh leaves make a delicious naturally sweet herbal tea. Because of their intense sweetness, only a small amount is needed.
Stevia is heat-stable and retains its sweetness during cooking and baking. The leaves contain virtually no calories and have little effect on blood sugar levels. Stevia grows best in a warm, sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. It is particularly well suited for growing in pots and containers, making it an excellent choice for patios and balconies. Plants grown in containers usually remain somewhat more compact than those grown in the ground. Because Stevia is sensitive to frost, it is generally grown as an annual in colder climates, although it can be overwintered for several years in a frost-free location. Stevia flowers from August trough October. Non hardy annual. Height: 80 - 100 cm.
Indoor sowing: February
Outdoor sowing: mid-May - June
Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germinationtemp. : 18 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 50 cm
Distance between the rows: 50 cm
Planting position: sunny and sheltered
Days till harvest: 120 days
Stevia can be started indoors from February in seed trays filled with fine seed-starting compost. Maintain a temperature of around 20 °C for the best germination results. Stevia seeds are known to germinate irregularly. Germination may take longer than expected, and not all seeds will germinate. Because Stevia is a light germinator, gently press the seeds onto the surface of the compost without covering them with soil. Cover the trays with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Remove the cover as soon as the seedlings emerge. Keep the compost evenly moist, but never waterlogged.
From mid-May, once all danger of night frost has passed, gradually harden off the young plants for several days before planting them in a warm, sunny and sheltered location.
From mid-May onwards, when there is no longer any risk of frost, Stevia can be sown directly outdoors. Choose a warm, bright and sheltered position. Stevia grows well in most well-drained garden soils. Press the seeds gently onto the soil surface or lightly rake them in without covering them deeply. Keep the soil moist and free from weeds during germination. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 50 cm apart. When the young plants reach 20 - 25 cm in height, pinch out the growing tips. This encourages branching and results in compact, bushy plants with a higher leaf yield.
In cooler climates, Stevia is generally grown as an annual. Under favourable conditions, the leaves can often be harvested twice during the growing season. Harvest by cutting or picking the leaves as required. If the roots are left undisturbed, the plant will produce new shoots that can be harvested later in the season. Fresh leaves can be used immediately as a natural sweetener. They can also be dried and then crushed or ground into a sweet powder for later use.
