What it is
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. Leaves are intensely sweet with no sugar. A tender perennial best protected or replanted each year.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it even, and give it rich, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 18 in apart. Expect roughly 40–60. Tender perennial.
How it's used
Stevia is used: fresh or dried as sweetener.
🔎 How to identify it
- Small toothed opposite leaves
- Bushy habit
- White flowers
Edibility
PartsLeaves
UsesFresh or dried as sweetener
CautionVery sweet — use sparingly.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.