Stevia Growing Guide
Asteraceae family
Days to Harvest60 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing12/sqft
Germination7-21 days
HardinessTender
Germ. Temp75°F
Start Indoors8 weeks before last frost
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Establishing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 7 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 7 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 20 | May 29 | — | Jul 28 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 7 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 27 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 4 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 20 | May 29 | — | Jul 28 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 10 | May 19 | — | Jul 18 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | May 15 | — | Jul 14 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 13 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 18 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 25 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 4 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 2 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 13 | Mar 24 | — | May 23 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 26 | Mar 6 | — | May 5 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 3 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 12 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 3 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 12 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 30 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Stevia?
Stevia takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Stevia need?
Stevia requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Stevia?
Plant Stevia at 12/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Stevia survive frost?
Stevia is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
How long does Stevia take to germinate?
Stevia seeds germinate in 7-21 days at an optimal temperature of 75°F.
When should I start Stevia seeds indoors?
Start Stevia seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Grow as an annual in cold climates; perennial in zones 9-11
- Pinch back regularly for bushy growth
- Dry leaves and grind into powder for natural sweetener
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids
- Whitefly
- Generally trouble-free
Harvest Notes
Harvest leaves just before flowering when sweetness compounds peak. Dry in a dehydrator or oven at low heat, then crush into powder.
Plan Your Stevia Garden
Track Stevia from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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