Stevia Seeds – Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia rebaudiana • Asteraceae (Daisy family) • Native to Paraguay & Brazil
Stevia Seeds grow into small, leafy perennial plants with sweet-tasting green leaves. Ideal for herb gardens, containers, edible landscapes, and sunny garden beds.
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Stevia is sensitive to frost and waterlogged soil, so planting out too early or in heavy clay without amendment can quickly set back or kill young transplants.
Botanical profile
Meet the Stevia – Stevia rebaudiana
Step-by-step planting
Growing stevia from seed takes some care and patience, but the process is straightforward once you understand what this plant needs at each stage.
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1
Start Seeds Indoors Early
Sow stevia seeds 8 to 10 weeks before your last expected frost date, pressing them lightly onto the surface of a fine-textured seed-starting mix without covering them, since they need light to germinate.
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2
Maintain Warm Soil Temperature
Stevia seeds germination is most consistent when the soil stays between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so a heat mat placed under the tray is worth using if your space runs cool.
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3
Keep Moisture Steady but Gentle
Mist the surface gently with a spray bottle rather than watering from above, keeping the mix evenly moist without saturating it, as standing moisture around tiny seedlings invites damping off.
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4
Thin and Pot Up Seedlings
Once seedlings show two sets of true leaves, thin to the strongest plant per cell and move it into a 3-inch pot with well-draining potting mix to give the roots room to develop before transplant.
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5
Harden Off Before Outdoor Planting
Set young plants outside in a sheltered spot for increasing periods over 7 to 10 days before planting them in the ground, giving them time to adjust to direct sun and outdoor temperatures without stress.
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6
Plant in Full Sun with Good Drainage
Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun and amend heavy soils with perlite or coarse sand before planting, since this zero calorie sweetener plant will not tolerate wet feet once established.
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7
Harvest Leaves Regularly
Pinch leaves and stem tips frequently throughout the growing season to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering, as sweetness tends to concentrate most in the leaves before the plant goes to seed.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Stevia Seeds – Stevia rebaudiana
How long do stevia seeds take to germinate?
Under good conditions, with warm soil and consistent surface moisture, stevia seeds often begin to sprout somewhere between 7 and 21 days. That range can shift depending on your climate, the age of the seed, and how steadily you maintain temperature and moisture. If nothing has emerged after three weeks, check that the surface has not dried out between waterings.
Why is my stevia seed germination rate so low?
Stevia seeds are naturally smaller and more variable than many common vegetable seeds, and germination depends heavily on fresh seed, warm soil, and surface sowing with light contact. Burying the seeds even a little can prevent the light exposure they need to trigger sprouting. Sowing more seeds per cell than you expect to keep is a practical way to account for that natural variability.
Can I grow stevia in a container indoors?
Stevia container growing works well, especially in climates with short warm seasons or for gardeners without outdoor space. Use a pot at least 10 to 12 inches wide and deep, filled with a well-draining mix, and place it in your sunniest window or under a full-spectrum grow light for at least 6 hours a day. Keep in mind that container-grown plants may need more frequent watering and occasional feeding with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer.
When should I harvest stevia leaves?
You can start harvesting individual leaves once plants are well established and growing actively, which usually means they are at least 8 inches tall. The highest concentration of sweetness tends to come just before or at the early stages of flowering, so harvesting regularly and pinching back flower buds will keep the plant productive longer. Morning harvests, after any dew has dried, tend to give you the most flavorful leaves.
Does stevia come back every year?
In USDA zones 9 through 11, stevia rebaudiana can behave as a true perennial and will regrow from the roots each season. In cooler climates it is treated as an annual, though you can extend its life by bringing container-grown plants indoors before the first frost and keeping them in a bright, warm spot through winter. Taking cuttings in late summer is another way to carry the plant through cold months.
How sweet are stevia leaves compared to sugar?
Fresh stevia leaves are estimated to be roughly 30 to 40 times sweeter than table sugar, and the dried, powdered leaf can be many times sweeter than that depending on processing. That sweetness comes primarily from compounds called steviol glycosides, which your body does not metabolize for energy, making it useful as a zero calorie sweetener plant option. A small pinch of dried leaf goes a long way, so it takes some experimenting to find the right amount for your taste.
What soil pH does stevia grow best in?
Stevia performs well in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil tends toward higher alkalinity, working in some compost or a small amount of sulfur before planting can help bring the pH into range. A simple home soil test kit is an easy way to check before you plant, saving you from trying to troubleshoot slow growth later.