Species sweetleaf

sweetleaf

Stevia rebaudiana

Also Known As - sweetleaf
Sweetleaf, scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana, is a plant species indigenous to parts of South America. It is grown for its leaves which can be dried and used as a natural sweetener, with up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar. The sweet taste has a slight bitter finish, and may vary between different varieties. Sweetleaf is easy to care for and can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. It grows well in sunny locations with moist, well-drained soil. The plant is drought tolerant once established. It's also a popular choice among gardeners due to its attractive, small white flowers that appear in the summer.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,yellow,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

It is recommended to water Sweetleaf (Stevia rebaudiana) plants once a week, using enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly but not saturate it. The frequency of watering can vary, depending on the time of year and the climate you live in, as well as the growth rate of the plants. During the growing season, in warm climates, it may be necessary to water the plant more often. To avoid diseases, it is important not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot. If the soil is thoroughly moist, it is best to wait for the soil to dry before watering again.

sunlight

Sweetleaf plants need about 8 hours of sunshine each day to thrive. They prefer direct and unfiltered sunlight, and should be kept in the sun most of the day, preferably between 10 am and 4 pm. Sweetleaf does best when exposed to the maximum amount of direct sunlight it can get. For optimum growth and flavor, the sweetleaf plants should be placed in an area that receives the most direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day (10 am to 4 pm). If the temperature is too low, the plant may not properly absorb the sunlight and its growth can be stunted.

pruning

Sweetleaf (Stevia rebaudiana) should be pruned when the plants reach at least 12 inches in height. Generally, only light pruning is recommended to maintain its shape, remove old foliage, and promote adequate air circulation to protect it from diseases. However, for plants that are beginning to look a bit leggy, remove the top few inches of growth to promote a more full, bushy shape. Sweetleaf can also be pruned twice a year, in the early spring and late fall.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or candyleaf Harvesting of Stevia rebaudiana typically begins in July and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Stevia rebaudiana typically begins flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Stevia rebaudiana typically begins flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or candyleaf Harvesting of Stevia rebaudiana typically begins in July and continues through October.

Hardiness Map