Stevia

Tender perennial. A hard-to-find herb that is grown for the famous Stevia leaves which, when dried, are used to sweeten drinks and desserts. Much sweeter than sugar, stevia powder is reported to be 300 times sweeter! Not winter-hardy, except in zones 8-10. From Brazil and Paraguay. The chemical companies who make artificial sweeteners hate this plant and have tried to make it illegal--but we just love it!

• 6-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 7-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 68-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
  
• Plant Spacing: 12"
• Frost Hardy: No
  
• Stevia rebaudiana
  

Growing Tips: Sow indoors 6 weeks before last spring frost. Press seeds firmly into medium; do not cover. Keep moist until germination has occurred. Plant out after spring frosts have passed. Remove spent blooms to prolong harvest.