Stevia - Candy

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
Approximately2500 seeds per gram
Lot# ST14401
Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia is an herbaceous perennial, losing its leaves in late autumn.  Growing stevia is easy in well-drained beds or large containers with a fertile soil mix and regular watering. It will tolerate acidity; preferred pH range is 5-7.5.   Leaves can be dried for winter use like any other herb. Stevia grows best in warm conditions similar to those preferred by basil. Plants grown in warm climates will grow to 61 cm (24”) tall and wide in full sun. Where summers are cool, expect stevia plants to grow up to 40 cm (16”). Grow three to five plants for a year’s supply of dried stevia leaves. It will sometimes die back to a crown as its woody stems are fairly brittle.
Planting Instructions:
  • Sow seeds on the surface of damp, sterile seed mix, and use bottom heat. Warmth and bright light are necessary for germination.  Be advised that germination is challenging.  Without the use of bottom heat, few or none of the seeds will germinate.  Place 3 or 4 seeds on the soil surface in each container and cover with a thin layer 3 mm (1/8”) of horticultural vermiculite.  Once plants are established, they grow well in hot weather, and are good candidates for summer containers. Stevia cuttings root very readily. Take cuttings any time over summer and keep moist until established. Cuttings 10-20 cm long should be half buried in potting mix and kept moist.  It is best to plant your stevia in rows 44-54 cm (20-24") apart, leaving about 40 cm (18") between plants. Your plants should grow to a height anywhere from 40-76 cm (16-30”) and a width of 30-60 cm (12-24”).
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked loose soil. Maintain a soil pH of 5-7.5. It will tolerate acidity. 
  • Planting Depth:  Sow seeds on the surface of damp, sterile seed mix, and use bottom heat or place 3 or 4 seeds on the soil surface in each container and cover with a thin layer 3 mm (1/8”) of horticultural vermiculite. Water from below as needed by pouring water into the tray. Seedlings should emerge in 1 to 2 weeks
  • Germination: 7-14 days.  Temperature: 21-26°C (70-80°F).
  • Height at Maturity: 40-76 cm (16-30”). Spread at maturity: 30-60 cm (12-24”). 
  • Days to Maturity:  40-60 days.  Pick when plant is able to support harvesting.
  • Sun/Shade: Shade    
  • Spacing after Thinning: 45 cm (18”).
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated Seeds.  Stevia leaves can be kept indefinitely dried and can also be added to stewed fruit and other dishes. Two or three leaves added whole or powdered are enough to sweeten a cup of tea or coffee.  Stevia syrup can be made and used as a sweetener. To make syrup, add two teaspoons of dried stevia to one litre of water bring to the boil and simmer for ten minutes and let stand. This can then be stored in the fridge and used as required.Prune to encourage new growth and bushiness. Harvest before flowering occurs and upside down in bunches. Cut entire plants just above ground level. When growing Stevia as a perennial or for early harvests, clip the plants 15 cm (6 “) from the ground so they will survive and re-grow.  Harvest in the morning after dew has evaporated.