Stevia Seeds | Sweet Leaf Herb Seeds for Home Gardening | WINTER / SUMMER

Stevia belongs to the species Stevia rebaudiana and the family:

Asteraceae

It is also commonly known as:

• Sweet Leaf
• Sugar Leaf
• Sweet Herb
• Candy Leaf

Stevia is a tender perennial herb native to South America and is grown for its naturally sweet leaves.

Plants generally develop:

• Soft green leaves
• Upright branching stems
• Bushy growth
• Small white flowers
• Fibrous root systems

Under suitable conditions, mature plants may reach approximately:

45–75 cm tall

Exact height varies with climate, soil, pruning and seed strain.

Key Features

• Stevia Seeds
• Botanical name: Stevia rebaudiana
• Sweet Leaf Herb
• Tender perennial
• Naturally sweet-tasting foliage
• Suitable for fresh use
• Suitable for drying
• Suitable for herbal teas
• Suitable for drinks
• Suitable for culinary use
• Bushy growing habit
• Can be pinched for branching
• Suitable for spring cultivation
• Suitable for autumn cultivation
• Suitable for kitchen gardens
• Suitable for pots
• Performs well in grow bags
• Suitable for balcony gardening
• Suitable for rooftop gardening

Culinary Uses

Stevia leaves may be used in small quantities for:

• Herbal tea
• Green tea blends
• Lemon drinks
• Infused water
• Homemade beverages
• Herbal preparations
• Selected desserts
• Fresh herb blends
• Dried leaf powder

Fresh leaves can be harvested and used directly.

Leaves may also be:

Dried and ground into a fine powder

for storage and later culinary use.

Because Stevia leaves are naturally very sweet, start with a small quantity and adjust according to taste.

Recommended Grow Bags

G-8 Grow Bag – 8 × 8 inch 🔗

Suitable for a young or compact Stevia plant.

G-11 Grow Bag – 11 × 10 inch 🔗

Recommended for one established Stevia plant.

G-12 Grow Bag – 12 × 12 inch 🔗

Provides additional root volume and moisture stability for longer-term growing.

For most home gardens:

G-11 or G-12

is a practical choice for one mature Stevia plant.

Recommended Soil / Potting Mix

Use fertile, loose and well-drained soil that retains moderate moisture.

A practical GREEN GARDENS mix can be:

50% Bhalu Mitti (Sandy Soil) + 50% Vermicompost 🔗

Stevia prefers:

• Well-drained soil
• Moderate organic matter
• Consistent moisture
• Loose soil structure
• Good root aeration

A slightly acidic to near-neutral soil is suitable.

Avoid:

• Heavy compacted soil
• Standing water
• Permanently saturated soil
• Excessive nitrogen-rich feeding

Stevia performs best in soil that remains moderately moist but drains freely.

Growing Instructions from Seeds

1. Seed Sowing

Stevia seeds are very small.

Start seeds in:

• Seed trays
• Nursery pots
• Small containers

Sow seeds:

Very shallowly on or just below the soil surface

Do not bury deeply.

Press seeds gently onto moist fine growing medium.

Provide light exposure during germination.

2. Germination

Seeds generally germinate within:

7–21 days

under suitable conditions.

Maintain approximately:

20°C–24°C

Keep the growing medium:

Moderately moist but not waterlogged

Stevia seed can have variable germination, so do not discard the tray too quickly.

Fresh seed generally performs better.

3. Seedling Care

Once seedlings emerge, provide:

• Bright light
• Good airflow
• Moderate moisture
• Mild temperatures

Avoid overwatering.

Stevia seedlings are delicate during early growth and should not remain in soggy soil.

4. Transplanting

Transplant seedlings once they are:

Large enough to handle safely

and have developed several true leaves.

Move them carefully into:

• Pots
• Grow bags
• Raised beds
• Open soil

Avoid unnecessary root disturbance.

5. Sunlight

Provide:

5–7 hours or more of sunlight daily

Stevia grows well in:

Full sun to partial shade

In very hot Lahore summer conditions, some afternoon shade can help reduce stress on container-grown plants.

6. Plant Spacing

Maintain approximately:

30 cm between plants

for mature growth.

For container gardening:

One mature Stevia plant per G-11 or G-12 Grow Bag

is recommended.

Proper spacing improves airflow and branching.

7. Watering

Keep soil:

Evenly moist but well drained

Water whenever the upper soil begins to dry.

Avoid:

• Severe drought
• Repeated wilting
• Standing water
• Permanent saturation

Stevia prefers more consistent moisture than Mediterranean herbs such as Sage or Rosemary.

8. Feeding

Before planting, incorporate GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost 🔗.

Use moderate fertility.

Avoid excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizer because excessive leafy growth may reduce leaf flavour quality.

9. Pinching

Pinch young growing tips periodically during early growth.

This encourages:

• More side branches
• Bushier plants
• More leaf-producing stems
• Compact growth

Pinching every few weeks during the early vegetative stage can improve branching.

10. Flowering

Mature Stevia plants produce:

Small white flowers

If the main goal is leaf production, flower buds may be removed to maintain vegetative growth.

Leaf sweetness and quality are often best before or around flowering.

11. Heat Management

During extreme summer heat:

• Maintain regular watering
• Provide good airflow
• Protect from hot drying winds
• Use afternoon shade where necessary

Avoid moving plants suddenly from shade into intense midday sun.

12. Pest & Disease Care

Inspect plants regularly for:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Spider mites
• Caterpillars
• Leaf spots
• Root rot

Good drainage and airflow are especially important.

Avoid continuously wet soil and foliage.

13. First Harvest

Begin harvesting once plants are:

Well established and producing multiple healthy branches

Pick individual leaves or tender stems.

Do not remove excessive foliage from small young plants.

14. Regular Harvesting

Harvest leaves throughout the growing season.

For best regrowth:

Cut leafy shoots above healthy nodes

This encourages new branches.

Leaves are often harvested before heavy flowering for best quality.

15. Drying & Storage

Stevia leaves can be dried for later use.

Harvest healthy foliage and place it in a:

Dry, shaded and well-ventilated location

Once completely dry:

• Remove leaves from stems
• Store whole or grind into powder
• Keep in an airtight container
• Protect from moisture
• Keep away from direct sunlight

Use dried leaf powder sparingly because its flavour is concentrated.

Important Seed Germination Note

Stevia can be more challenging to grow from seed than many common herbs.

Seed lots may show:

Variable or uneven germination

and seed viability can decline during storage.

For best results:

• Use fresh seed
• Sow shallowly
• Provide suitable warmth
• Maintain moderate moisture
• Provide light during germination
• Do not overwater

Starting Stevia in trays and transplanting healthy seedlings is more reliable than direct sowing into the garden.

Related Products

G-8 Grow Bag 🔗

G-11 Grow Bag – 11 × 10 inch 🔗

G-12 Grow Bag – 12 × 12 inch 🔗

GREEN GARDENS Grow Bags 🔗

GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost 🔗