Stevia Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Paraguay and Brazil (subtropical South America). It grows 50–80 cm (20–31 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Stevia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Stevia at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–21 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Paraguay and Brazil (subtropical South America) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Stevia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Leaf sweetener; pet toxicity not documented in ASPCA references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Stevia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Stevia
- How far apart should I plant Stevia?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Stevia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Stevia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Stevia?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Stevia flower?
- About 13–21 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Stevia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Leaf sweetener; pet toxicity not documented in ASPCA references.
- What grows well with Stevia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Stevia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Tender perennial (about zone 9 and warmer) grown as an annual elsewhere. Leaves are sweetest harvested before flowering, which is triggered by short days.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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