Anyone Grow Stevia?

**freebs** · 05-02-2010, 03:59 PM

Anyone here Grow stevia?? Just got some and was wondering how to take care of them?

**bumplett** · 05-02-2010, 04:01 PM

I've had some in my herb garden for about 4 years now. It comes back every year, and it spreads. I don't "do" anything to it - I just make an attempt to keep the weeds out of the garden, and let the plants do what they wish.

Easy grower, easy keeper, I think you'll be pleased!

**Pemberleyan** · 05-02-2010, 04:05 PM

I may not have a green enough thumb. I live in a very humid climate and I think stevia is from the Mediterranean -- it just didn't survive here for me.

**bumplett** · 05-02-2010, 04:16 PM

I should have mentioned that my herb garden is in partial shade. Near the AC unit, so the ground gets water from the condinsation from the unit - I never remember to water anything.

soooo - maybe you could plant it near the AC unit

**freebs** · 05-02-2010, 04:46 PM

I was going to do mine all in planter boxes on my back porch where i will see them all the time...lol. so i would remember to water them(but that would be the only reason why cuz i would see them everyday...lol). Do you dry the leaves or use them for anyhing special?

**Josephhgoins** · 05-02-2010, 07:00 PM

I got some for the first time thsi year as well. I planted them in pots on the porch.

Now, what does everyone do with it?

**KeithBC** · 05-02-2010, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by freebs

Do you dry the leaves or use them for anyhing special?

I haven't grown any recently, but I did a few years ago. You dry the leaves to save them. The dried leaves are ground up and used as a sweetener. A tiny amount goes a long way. Something like a quarter teaspoon of ground stevia leaf replaces a teaspoon of sugar.

**zakity** · 05-02-2010, 10:18 PM

I just bought a plant this year. I have it in a pot that will go in and out. I don't think it will like our temperate climate too well.

**akolb** · 05-02-2010, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by Pemberleyan

I may not have a green enough thumb. I live in a very humid climate and I think stevia is from the Mediterranean -- it just didn't survive here for me.

I second this. I'm in south Louisiana and mine is d-e-a-d. The rest of my herbs are thriving though!

**Josephhgoins** · 05-03-2010, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by KeithBC

I haven't grown any recently, but I did a few years ago. You dry the leaves to save them. The dried leaves are ground up and used as a sweetener. A tiny amount goes a long way. Something like a quarter teaspoon of ground stevia leaf replaces a teaspoon of sugar.

I got to ask, why you stopped growing it? Something better come along?

**KeithBC** · 05-03-2010, 11:27 AM

I only grew it for curiosity. I can buy stevia extract in the stores now (you couldn't back then), and one bottle of the powder has lasted me for years.

**vigilant20** · 05-18-2010, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Pemberleyan

I may not have a green enough thumb. I live in a very humid climate and I think stevia is from the Mediterranean -- it just didn't survive here for me.

Ohhh I wonder if that was my problem. I'm near lake michigan so it's always humid. The little start I ordered this spring keeled over literally over night.