How to Grow Stevia

Planting and care

Choose a warm, sunny site with well-drained soil. Keep moisture steady but never soggy, since stevia is prone to root rot in poorly drained ground.

1. 1Start early — Sow seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost.
2. 2Plant after frost — Set out in spring once frost has passed, spacing about 18 inches apart or in 12-inch pots.
3. 3Water evenly — Provide consistent moisture in well-drained soil to prevent both wilting and root rot.

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.

• Purdue University Consumer Horticulture — Stevia in the Windowsill Garden — Stevia (sweetleaf) is a tender sweet-leaved herb grown in full sun and well-drained soil, often as an annual or indoors.

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