Stevia Rebaudiana - 0.5 Kg Seeds

Planting and care

It would be difficult, at best, to start a stevia patch from scratch that is, by planting seeds. Stevia can be started from seed indoors in late winter. The stevia seeds need sunlight for the germination process. Germination is best at 70 to 75 degrees F.

Seedlings should emerge in 7 to 21 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into 3-inch diameter pots. Even if you could get them to germinate, results might well prove disappointing, since stevioside levels can vary greatly in plants grown from seed.

Caring for Stevia Rebaudiana

• Stevia plants do best in a rich, loamy soil — the same kind in which common garden-variety plants thrive. Since the feeder roots tend to be quite near the surface, it is a good idea to add compost for extra nutrients if the soil in your area is sandy.
• Avoid excess watering and cold.
• Frequent light watering is recommended during the summer months.
• Adding a layer of compost or your favorite mulch around each stevia plant will help keep the shallow feeder roots from drying out.
• Keep the soil evenly moist.
• If you find pests, spray with a mild insecticide.

Harvesting

NA

Typical uses of Stevia Rebaudiana

Special features: Sweet leaves

Culinary use: Act as a sweetener

Ornamental use: The plant is used for an ornamental purpose.

Medicinal use: It is been used in many medicinal preparations.

References

• http://www.stevia.net/growingstevia.htm
• http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/stevia-plant.html
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e489
• http://homeguides.sfgate.com/basic-care-stevia-plants-69789.html
• http://herbgardening.com/growingstevia.htm