Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
Also listed as Eupatorium rebaudianum
Also known as Sweetleaf, Candyleaf, Sweet-leaf-of-paraguay
Climate Match for your location
See how well Stevia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Stevia is a tropical perennial shrub cultivated for its intensely sweet leaves, which contain steviol glycosides used as a natural zero-calorie sweetener. It thrives in warm climates and requires consistent moisture and good drainage for optimal growth.
Why grow it
Stevia rebaudiana offers a perennial alternative to annual sweetener crops, with leaves that can be harvested multiple times per season once established. Unlike sugar cane or sugar beets, stevia requires no processing beyond drying to yield a usable sweetener, making it suitable for small-scale or home cultivation. It occupies less space than most commercial sweetener sources while producing a non-caloric product, though the intensity of its sweetness means relatively small leaf quantities satisfy typical culinary needs.
Watch out for
Stevia's flavor profile includes a slight licorice or bitter aftertaste that some palates find objectionable, which becomes apparent only through direct tasting rather than from visual inspection. In cooler climates, the plant often needs season extension or indoor cultivation to maintain productivity, and transplanting can stress young plants if root systems are disturbed. Leaf quality and sweetness concentration vary noticeably with growing conditions and harvest timing, so consistent results require attention to soil fertility and consistent moisture management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Paraguay and Brazil
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Stevia rebaudiana 'Reb A' is the most commonly cultivated variety, selected for high rebaudioside A content and superior sweetness. Other cultivars like 'Stevia Morita' are also grown commercially for their improved leaf quality and yield.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Stevia is a tropical perennial shrub cultivated for its intensely sweet leaves, which contain steviol glycosides used as a natural zero-calorie sweetener. It thrives in warm climates and requires consistent moisture and good drainage for optimal growth.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Stevia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Stevia rebaudiana offers a perennial alternative to annual sweetener crops, with leaves that can be harvested multiple times per season once established. Unlike sugar cane or sugar beets, stevia requires no processing beyond drying to yield a usable sweetener, making it suitable for small-scale or home cultivation. It occupies less space than most commercial sweetener sources while producing a non-caloric product, though the intensity of its sweetness means relatively small leaf quantities satisfy typical culinary needs.
Watch out for
Stevia's flavor profile includes a slight licorice or bitter aftertaste that some palates find objectionable, which becomes apparent only through direct tasting rather than from visual inspection. In cooler climates, the plant often needs season extension or indoor cultivation to maintain productivity, and transplanting can stress young plants if root systems are disturbed. Leaf quality and sweetness concentration vary noticeably with growing conditions and harvest timing, so consistent results require attention to soil fertility and consistent moisture management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Paraguay and Brazil
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Stevia rebaudiana 'Reb A' is the most commonly cultivated variety, selected for high rebaudioside A content and superior sweetness. Other cultivars like 'Stevia Morita' are also grown commercially for their improved leaf quality and yield.