Description
Stevia rebaudiana. 1.1L coir pot.
This perennial plant is native to South America where the Guarani Indians of Paraguay used it as a medicine plant, not just a sweetener.
The leaves of the stevia plant are used as a herbal, calorie-free substitute for sugar in food and drinks. One teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to two – three fresh leaves of stevia. Leaves that have been dried and powdered are much sweeter.
The leaves of the stevia plant can be harvested at any time of the year, although they will be at their sweetest in late summer when the plant is in flower. If you’re wanting to dry the leaves, it is best to harvest them before flowering occurs then hang them upside down in bunches.
Stevia enjoys a full sun position in moist, well-draining soil, and should grow about 1m high.
Can be grown in the ground or in containers.
Tip prune to encourage bushy new growth.
