Stevia plants are not easy to grow from seed because they have a low germination rate and germinate slowly. That does not mean it can not be done.
Stevia takes 10 to 16 days to germinate and is ready to harvest about 40 days after transplanting.
Growing stevia in grow bags can be a convenient and efficient way to cultivate this sweet herb. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Materials and Tools:
Stevia Seeds or Seedlings: You can find stevia seeds or seedlings at local nurseries or online.
Grow Bags: Choose bags with good drainage and a size appropriate for the number of plants you want to grow. The bags should be at least 12-18 inches deep.
Potting Mix: Use a well-draining mix suitable for herbs or vegetables.
Fertilizer: Stevia doesn't require heavy feeding, but a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can help.
Watering Can or Hose: Stevia plants prefer consistent moisture.
Sunlight: Stevia thrives in full sun, so choose a sunny location for your grow bags.
Steps:
Selecting a Location:
Choose a sunny spot for your grow bags, as stevia plants prefer full sunlight.
Ensure the location has good air circulation.
Preparing the Grow Bags:
Fill the grow bags with the potting mix, leaving a couple of inches from the top to allow for watering.
Planting Stevia:
If starting from seeds, sow them according to the package instructions. If using seedlings, transplant them into the grow bags.
Space the plants about 18 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Stevia plants don't like to dry out completely.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for application rates.
Pruning:
Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth. This will also prevent the plant from flowering, as the leaves are sweetest before flowering.
Harvesting:
Harvest the leaves once the plant reaches a sufficient size. The leaves are sweetest just before the plant flowers.
Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the leaves, leaving some on the plant for continued growth.
Pest Control:
Keep an eye out for pests and treat them promptly. Common pests include aphids and whiteflies.
Overwintering (if applicable):
If you're growing stevia in a climate with frost, consider bringing the grow bags indoors or protecting the plants during the winter.
Companion Plants:
Companion planting involves growing certain plants near each other to provide mutual benefits such as pest control, improved growth, and enhanced flavor. When considering companion plants for stevia, it's essential to choose ones that have similar sun, water, and soil requirements. Here are some companion plants that can work well with stevia:
Basil:
Basil can enhance the flavor of stevia and is believed to improve stevia's growth.
Chamomile:
Chamomile is known for its insect-repelling properties and may help keep pests away from stevia.
Marigold:
Marigolds deter nematodes and other pests. Plant them around stevia to help protect against soil-borne pests.
Lavender:
Lavender can attract pollinators and beneficial insects while also repelling pests that may harm stevia.
Mint:
Mint can help deter pests, and its vigorous growth can provide ground cover, reducing weed competition.
Oregano:
Oregano can help repel pests and also acts as a ground cover, preventing weeds.
Rosemary:
Rosemary is believed to improve the flavor of stevia and can also repel certain pests.
Thyme:
Thyme is a low-growing herb that can serve as a ground cover, reducing weed growth around stevia.
Nasturtium:
Nasturtiums can attract aphids away from stevia, acting as a sacrificial plant.
Sage:
Sage has insect-repelling properties and can be a good companion for stevia.
Chives:
Chives can help deter pests and add a mild onion flavor to neighboring plants.
Stevia does not grow well with Tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkin, peppers, or melons.
How do I fertilize my Stevia?
This is a sub-tropical plant that should be protected, especially when nighttime temperatures fall below 50˚F. Prior to planting, work a balanced organic fertilizer or composted chicken manure into the garden plot. Stevia will do well in pots and can be cultivated year round if given proper care.
What bugs attack Stevia and what gets rid of them?
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The soft-bodied adults put their needle-like mouths into plant tissue and suck the plant’s juices. While they are taking nutrients from the plant, these pests also insert toxins that affect the plant’s growth.
Aphids can be controlled with an insecticidal soap. Always spray plants in the early evening to reduce the chance of damage. Pay special attention to the lower leaf because that is where they usually are located.
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Cutworms are moth larvae that spend the day hiding under litter or soil and emerge at night to feast on plants. Cutworm refers to a larva that attacks the stem and cuts it down. Cutworms are caterpillars, not worms.
One way to get rid of cutworms is to spread coffee grounds or eggshells around your plant. The scent and texture of these will repel the cutworm.
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White flies will suck out the plant juice with their sharp mouthparts and this will make them shrivel or dry. Adult whiteflies cause indirect damage by leaving their eggs and larvae behind.
Whiteflies look like tiny white aphids with pointed wings and a brown or dark head. They’re easy to see with the naked eye.
Prune and clean any damaged foliage. Remove them entirely because it’s likely infected with plant bacteria and eggs.
Next, you’ll need to clean. Soapy water can sterilize whitefly populations. Spray your cilantro down with a mixture of soap and water. It should kill them upon contact.
What soil pH is best for Stevia?
Stevia grows best when soil pH ranges from 6.7 to 7.2.
How do you store Stevia?
Stevia leaves can be stored for 12 months in air-tight containers or plastic bags. To extend their shelf life, be careful of humidity. Once the leaves are dry you can crumble them into a fine powder. Use a mesh screen or grind them in a food processor or coffee grinder.
Interesting facts:
Stevia tastes 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar.
It has shown potential health benefits as a healthful sugar alternative for people with diabetes.
Stevia is a bushy shrub that is part of the sunflower family.
It typically requires about 20 percent of the land and far less water to provide the same amount of sweetness as other mainstream sweeteners.
Medicinal uses of Stevia:
Stevia is a sweet herb native to South America, and it has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. Beyond its sweetening properties, stevia has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. It's important to note that while some of these uses have a basis in traditional medicine, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of stevia's medicinal benefits. Here are some potential medicinal uses of stevia:
Blood Sugar Control:
Some studies suggest that stevia may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential option for people with diabetes. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce postprandial blood sugar levels.
Blood Pressure Regulation:
There is some evidence to suggest that stevia may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. It may help lower high blood pressure, making it potentially useful for individuals with hypertension.
Antioxidant Properties:
Stevia contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are important for overall health and may play a role in preventing chronic diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Some studies suggest that stevia may have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is linked to various chronic diseases, so substances with anti-inflammatory effects may have potential health benefits.
Antimicrobial Properties:
Stevia has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi. This suggests that it may have potential applications in controlling microbial growth.
Weight Management:
As a zero-calorie sweetener, stevia can be used as a sugar substitute in weight management efforts. By reducing calorie intake from sugars, it may contribute to weight loss or weight maintenance.
Dental Health:
Since stevia is not fermentable by oral bacteria, it may be a better alternative to sugar for maintaining dental health. Using stevia instead of sugar can help reduce the risk of cavities and other dental issues.
Digestive Aid:
In traditional medicine, stevia has been used to support digestion. It may help alleviate certain digestive issues, although more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms.
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using stevia or any herbal remedy for medicinal purposes, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. While stevia is generally recognized as safe when used as a sweetener, more research is needed to establish its medicinal benefits and proper dosages for specific health conditions.