Stevia Herb Page

FDA Disclaimer The statements on this web site have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For medical advice, always consult your health care professional.

Stevia Recipes

What is Stevia? It is an herbal plant originally from Paraguay with small green leaves that have a delicious flavor and is said to be 30 times sweeter than sugar but has no caloric value.

It is an annual plant that can yield up to 1/2 pound of dried leaf per plant.

The leaves of the plant also contain proteins, carbohydrates, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium and other minerals along with Vitamins A and C.

It is used in Japan as a noncaloric sweetener, but has not been approved for this use in the United States by the FDA. It has been approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement for nutritional benefits. Dried Stevia leaves are available at herb shops and botanicals and are often used in cooking instead of sugar ( again, this is not approved by the FDA yet ).

Stevia also has many therapeutic uses in other countries. In Brazil, it has been found to lower sugar levels in diabetics. In China, it is used to aid digestion, lose weight and even to stimulate the appetite.

Stevia powder is said to work wonders on any type of external sore and it is said drinking Stevia tea will reduce mouth sores and improve oral health.

We offer the following Stevia Products:

Stevia Seeds

We've been searching for good, viable stevia seeds for years, and now we can finally offer them. A low germinator by nature, you should receive excellent results from these seeds provided you use the Special Seed Starting Trays we offer. This is a tender perennial that is hardy in zone 9, but usually raised as an annual in Northern states.
Requires only 100 days from time you transplant outside till harvest.

Stevia is also an excellent houseplant and can be raised in any sunny location. Provide a container at least 14" wide.

TWT034 Honeyleaf Stevia Seeds

Honeyleaf Stevia is a remarkable herb prized for its naturally sweet leaves, which can be many times sweeter than sugar while containing virtually no calories. Native to South America, this attractive plant has become popular worldwide as a natural sweetener and an easy-to-grow addition to herb gardens, patio containers, and edible landscapes.

Its bright green leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried to sweeten teas, beverages, desserts, and a variety of recipes. In addition to its usefulness, Stevia forms a handsome bushy plant that performs exceptionally well in containers.

For gardeners seeking a productive herb with culinary value and ornamental appeal, Honeyleaf Stevia is an excellent choice.

Uses

Fresh leaves can be used as a natural sweetener.
Dried leaves may be crushed and added to teas and beverages.
Popular ingredient in homemade herbal blends.
Useful for sweetening desserts and fruit dishes naturally.
Excellent container herb for patios, decks, and kitchen gardens.
Produces attractive foliage throughout the growing season.

Growing in Containers

Honeyleaf Stevia grows exceptionally well in containers. Choose a pot at least 10–12 inches wide with good drainage. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and place the container where plants receive full sun to light afternoon shade.

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Stevia appreciates regular watering during warm weather but does not tolerate soggy soil. Pinching growing tips encourages bushier growth and increases leaf production.

Because Stevia is frost sensitive, containers can easily be moved indoors or to a protected location when temperatures begin to cool.

Germination Instructions

Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix.
Press seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover deeply.
Light aids germination.
Maintain temperatures of 70–80°F (21–27°C).
Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
Seeds typically germinate in 7–21 days.
Provide bright light immediately after germination.

Growing Information

Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana
Common Name: Honeyleaf Stevia
Plant Type: Tender Perennial Herb
Height: 18–30 inches
Spread: 12–24 inches
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
USDA Zones: 9–11 (grown as an annual in colder climates)
Container Size: 10–12 inches minimum diameter

Harvesting

Begin harvesting leaves once plants are well established and have produced ample growth. Leaves can be picked individually or entire stems may be harvested. For maximum sweetness, harvest before flowering.

Fresh leaves can be used immediately, while excess harvest can be dried and stored in airtight containers for year-round use. Dried leaves retain their sweetness exceptionally well.

Why Grow Honeyleaf Stevia?

Honeyleaf Stevia offers gardeners a unique combination of beauty, productivity, and natural sweetness. Easy to grow in containers, attractive throughout the season, and highly useful in the kitchen, it provides a homegrown source of natural sweetener while adding lush green foliage to patios and herb gardens. Whether enjoyed fresh from the plant or dried for later use, Stevia is one of the most rewarding herbs for container gardeners.