Stevia Herbs plants Green Herb, Stevia rebaudiana Semillas Seeds
Stevia is a remarkable plant that is used in many parts of the world as a natural herbal sweetener.
Leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar. Single plant yields up to a 1/2 lb. of dried leaf. All parts of the plant are sweet, but pick the herb's short-stemmed leaves for fresh use. Leaves can be sun-dried, powdered, and stored in an airtight container for future use.
Sow seeds ¼ inches deep in seed-starting formula. Sow double or triple the amount of seed you usually would for other plants as the germination rate can be lower than for other seed varieties.
As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.
Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
Stevia is ready to harvest about 40 days after transplanting. It is best just before flowers form. Stevia leaves are sweeter than the stem so usually, only the leaves are used. They may be used fresh to flavor drinks or used as a garnish. To make stevia powder, dry the leaves.
To dry, cut whole stems on a sunny morning. Tie the stems loosely in small bunches and hang them in a dry, airy location out of the sun. Strip the leaves off the stems. Spread on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location.
Dry herbs in an oven for 2-3 hours on a cookie sheet at the lowest heat, leaving the oven door open. Use a dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Crush the thoroughly leaves before storing them. Store in a tightly sealed container in a dry, dark location, such as a cupboard.
Germination: 14-21 days
Position: Full Sun
Days To Maturity: 40-60 Days
Plants height: 12-20 inches
Plants spread: 6-8 inches
Annual (all zones)
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