Summary
From theAsteraceaefamily , stevia ( Stevia rebaudiana ) is a perennialedible herbthat develop green , sweet - try out leaves . roll in the hay as a more naturalsugar choice , stevia check zero calories and is approximately 300 times perfumed than veritable sugar!Its leaves are primarily used in two dissimilar ways , eitherby dryingand processing into a pulverisation , or extracting steviol glycosidesfrom its leaves to turn into a smooth sweetener . uncommitted in most grocery stores and wellness food stores , stevia plant extractis the most common way to use this type of herb , as it dissolves quickly and can be used to supplant sugar in various formula .
Discoverhow to grow steviafrom seed to harvest in your menage garden . instruct how to grow and care for your stevia plant , from how much sunlight to ply to how often to water .
When to Plant Stevia in the Garden
Sow seeds once outdoor temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit
The best time of year to grow stevia in the garden is during the spring through summer months , when temperature are quite high-pitched . Stevia favour awarm climate , with temperature ranging from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degree Fahrenheit . temperature below this will stymy its emergence and low temperatures ( below 45 degrees Fahrenheit ) will finally wipe out your flora .
Before transplanting , harden off your seedlingsfor a period of seven to 14 day first , increasing the amount of time expend outside each twenty-four hours . Hardening offreducestransplant shock , as it allows your plant life to slowly become accustomed to their raw outdoor environment , from sunlight to wind . Doing so allow your plants to thrive once outdoors , and guarantees you are able to turn their leave intostevia plant extractthat you’re able to utilise as asugar alternative !
How to Grow Stevia From Seed
Germination occurs within 10 to 21 days
As soon as temperatures warm up , you’re able to start sowing your seeds in the garden!Stevia plantsare considered more hard to commence from semen as their semen are quite small andgermination can be slow or inconsistent . Toincrease sprouting rates , stevia seeds need warmness and light , so wait until grime temperature give 65 degree Fahrenheit and above .
instead , if you opt , you could buy a store - boughttransplantfrom your local horticulture center instead of sowing your own cum . However , growing stevia from semen is not unsufferable , so if you ’re up for the challenge , snaffle some come and follow the step - by - step instruction below on how to produce stevia from seed !
Step 1 : Sow Seeds
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Sow seeds ¼ inch inscrutable , spacing about 8 to 10 inch apart , and cover with a flimsy bed of dirt . Plant multiple seeds per hole to ensure your seeds germinate .
tone 2 : Wait for Germination
After sowing your seeds , water thoroughly and keep the soil moist during germination . Bepatient , stevia seeds should burgeon forth in about 10 to 21 days .
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footprint 3 : sparse seedling
Once seedling are about 4 column inch magniloquent , thin your plants to allow more way for growth and right air circulation . dilute your stevia seedlings to 12 to 18 inch asunder , trim back at the grunge degree , so you do not disturb the roots of your other seedling .
How to Care for Your Stevia Plant
Stevia thrives in direct sunlight and moist soil conditions
When to Harvest Stevia Leaves
Harvest stevia leaves before flowering occurs
Harvest stevia leaves in the previous summertime to other surrender , beforeflowers bloomon the plant life , as after bloom , the parting will be less flavorful and have a slenderly bitter aftertaste . Pinch or remove any flower buds that appear , to encourage new leaves to grow or else of flowers .
How to Process Stevia After Harvesting
There are two ways you may process stevia at domicile after harvest , either by making a gunpowder or liquid sweetener .
Grow Sweet and Tasty Stevia!
Now that you knowhow to grow stevia , along with how to decently care for yourstevia plant , consider planting stevia in yourherb garden this summer ! Provide stevia with rich cheerfulness , regular lacrimation , and glean the leafage before flowering occurs in late summertime to early twilight . After harvest , turn its sweet folio into a lifelike lettuce alternative by making your own powder or liquid stevia plant extract at home , which can then be used to sweeten various drinks , coffeeor tea , sauce , salad fecundation , and more .
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