all about
the stevia plant

No doubt you're familiar with stevia ... the "fake sugar" with the weird after-taste. (Yuck!)

Allow me to introduce you to the stevia plant ... a sweet-leaf herb you'll munch like candy, straight from your garden. (Yum!)

Stevia in Full Growth

Stevia Basics

Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana

Hardy To: 30°F / -1°C  (grow as a tender perennial in warm climates or an annual elsewhere)

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Light, well-draining; slightly acidic preferred

Start From: Nursery plants

Space Required: 18 in. / 46 cm

Grow in Containers: Yes, great for patios or balconies

Parts Used for Tea: Leaves

Scent/Flavor: No discernible scent; sugary sweet flavor

Benefits of Stevia

Stevia doesn’t have a long list of herbal “benefits.” Its real claim to fame is simple: it’s naturally sweet, with no calories and no sugar crash.

For most people who are trying to cut back on sugar or artificial sweeteners, stevia leaves make a smart substitute. 

That’s pretty much the whole story. It's just a sweet leaf that does what you wish sugar would.

Stevia leaves and anise hyssop flowers — a naturally sweet combo for herbal tea

stevia Allergies & Side Effects

Even natural herbs like stevia leaf can cause allergic reactions or interact with medications, supplements, and over-the-counter remedies.

To stay on the safe side, always talk with your trusted healthcare provider before using stevia.

For medically reviewed details about potential side effects and interactions, see  WebMD: Stevia – Uses, Side Effects, and More

try before you grow

Want to taste the leaves of a stevia plant before you commit to growing your own?

You can find dried stevia leaves on Amazon — a convenient way to sample the flavor before planting.

Just keep in mind that dried herbs from a store can’t match the clean, fresh sweetness of leaves you’ve dried yourself right after harvest.

More about stevia ...

How to Grow Stevia

Harvesting & Storing Stevia
(Coming Soon)

Using Stevia for Herbal Tea
(Coming Soon)

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