Stevia Growing in Australia

Stevia Growing is a wonderful way to keep up your supplies of this amazing natural sweetener. This plant is part of the Asteraceae family. So it is native to Paraguay and Brazil, where people have used stevia leaves to sweeten food for hundreds of years.

How to Grow Stevia from Cuttings

Stevia can be propagated from seed or by cutting. Growing stevia from seed can be a little more difficult, therefore you should grow from cuttings if this option is available to you.

How to Grow Stevia from Seed

Stevia Growing in Pots

Indeed there are many benefits to growing stevia in pots. For those growing in colder areas, it allows them to bring their plant inside when it is too cold for the plant.

Here in the tropics, the summer downpours are not agreeable with many herbs. Therefore growing in a container or raised bed that will drain well is a real advantage.

Stevia Growing Zone

In the USA stevia is a perennial in zones 9 and warmer. It may survive in zone 8, but in colder areas it will grow well in a container brought indoors for the winter.

Stevia Growing Season

Stevia will grow all year around in the tropics, however it does not thrive in the summer months to the same extent that it does during the balance of the year.

Stevia Growing Conditions

The good news is stevia loves humid tropical and sub-tropical growing conditions.

Location and Soil

Stevia should be located in full sun, though partial sun in the afternoon is tolerated. Fertile well draining soil will allow your plant to thrive.

Fertilising 

Stevia does not need much fertilising. However, applying liquid fertiliser during the middle of the wet season will give your plants a nice boost.

Watering

Stevia does not like dry or soggy soil, so try to keep it just evenly moist, with frequent light watering.

Stevia Growing Time

Stevia, typically takes 60 to 90 days from planting to harvest when grown in ideal conditions. The growing period can take longer depending on factors such as climate and soil quality.

Although the plant is a perennial, its vigorous growth decreases after the first year.

Stevia Growing Temperature

The ideal temperature for growing stevia is between 18-30°C (64-86°F) during the day. This makes the tropical ‘dry season’ the best time to grow this natural sweetener.

Pests and Diseases 

Stevia is fairly pest resistant, but it does suffer aphids, slugs and snails. However, regular application of white oil can help address these pests.

White oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home. However, Neem oil is also a great organic way to keep pests at bay.

Plant Benefits

Further, swapping sugar for stevia offers all the health benefits that go with reduced sugar intake. So these include a reduced calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of cavities.

Other Tropical Herbs

• Dill
• Grow Basil at Home
• Cilantro
• Garlic Chives
• Ginger
• Lemongrass
• Mint
• Thai Chili
• Vietnamese Mint Growing (laksa leaf)

Relevant Material

• Collecting Seeds
• Tropical Herbs
• Growing Tropical Vegetables
• Tropical Fruits

Tropical Gardening