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Stevia is a popular sugar substitute that is derived from a plant native to South America. It has become increasingly popular for its sweet taste and lack of calories.
Here at Garden Pie, you will learn how to grow and care for Stevia.
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What You Need to Know About Stevia
Stevia is a perennial shrub native to South America, where it has been used as a natural sweetener for centuries. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers, and is related to mint. Stevia can be grown as a small shrub or as a low-growing ground cover. It is easy to grow and can be used as a sweetener in drinks, sauces, and baked goods.
Below are important information you need to know about Stevia:
- Name: stevia, sweet leaf, sugarleaf (Stevia rebaudiana).
- Height: up to 1m.
- Climate: prefers humid tropical and sub-tropical regions, but can be grown in other areas that are protected from frost.
- Soil: fertile, well-drained.
- Position: full sun or part shade.
- Flowering: small white flowers in late summer/autumn.
- Foliage: green leaves can be used in place of sugar.
- Feeding: organic fertiliser in summer.
- Watering: regular watering.
Appearance and Characteristics of Stevia
Stevia is a small shrub or ground cover, with bright green leaves and small white flowers. The leaves are thin, waxy, and have a sweet taste. The leaves can be harvested throughout the summer and dried for use as a natural sweetener. The plant can reach 2 feet in height, and can spread to 3 feet in width.
Uses for Stevia
Stevia can be used as a natural sweetener in a variety of recipes. The leaves can be dried and used as a sugar substitute in drinks, sauces, and baked goods. It can also be used to sweeten teas and other beverages.
How to Plant and Grow Stevia ?
Stevia can be planted in almost any soil type, as long as it is well-draining. It should be planted in a sunny spot and watered regularly. The plant should be spaced about 18 inches apart, and it can be grown in containers or in the ground.
The Steps to Plant and Grow Stevia includes:
- Choose a sunny location in your garden or a container with well-draining soil.
- Plant stevia seeds in the spring or early summer and water regularly.
- Once the plants reach a height of 6-8 inches, pinch the tops off to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest the leaves when they reach full size and dry them in a cool, dry place.
Caring for Stevia
Stevia does not require a lot of maintenance, but it should be watered regularly and fertilized once a month during the growing season. The plant should be pruned back in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
Diseases / Pests and How to Prevent
Stevia is susceptible to a variety of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
To prevent these diseases, the plant should be watered at the base and not overhead, and the leaves should be kept dry and in a sunny location.
The plant should also be fertilized regularly to promote healthy growth.
To prevent pests, the plant should be inspected regularly for signs of damage.
If any pests are found, they should be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
How to Propagate Stevia ?
Stevia can be propagated by division or by cuttings. To propagate by division, the plant should be divided into smaller sections and each section should be planted in its own pot. To propagate by cuttings, a stem or leaf should be cut and placed in a pot filled with moist soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a sunny spot until they have taken root.
Conclusion
Growing stevia is a great way to have a natural sweetener on hand. It is easy to grow and can be done in a garden or in containers. With proper care and attention, you can have a steady supply of stevia leaves for baking, drinks, and medicines.
Ways of caring for Stevia includes:
- Give Stevia adequate sunlight and water when needed.
- Prune and trim Stevia regularly to encourage healthy growth.
- Fertilize Stevia as needed with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer.
- Make sure Stevia is planted in well-draining soil and in an area with good air circulation.
- Protect Stevia from frost by mulching the soil.
- Avoid overwatering and water only when the soil is dry.
- Check for pests and diseases regularly and take appropriate action if needed.
- Plant Stevia in a container if needed to control its growth and reduce the risk of frost damage.
- Remove dead, wilted or diseased leaves promptly to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Cut back Stevia after it has finished flowering to promote new growth.
- Deadhead old flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Harvest Stevia leaves as needed and use them fresh or dried.
- Make sure the soil is slightly acidic for optimal growth.
- Plant Stevia in a spot with plenty of sun, but not too much direct sunlight.
- Divide and replant Stevia every 2-3 years to keep it healthy and robust.
- Avoid planting Stevia near other plants that could be infected with pests or diseases.
- Place stakes around Stevia to provide support as needed.
- Remove weeds and competing plants that could limit Stevia’s growth.
- Plant Stevia in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Cover the soil around Stevia with a layer of organic mulch to keep the soil moist and weed-free.
