Stevia rebaudiana 30 PCS fresh seeds, Candyleaf, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf, Stevia seeds, Herb seeds, Organic seeds, Non GMO

🌱 Stevia rebaudiana — Candyleaf, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf, Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial herbaceous plant, offering a natural sweetener alternative. Its botanical family is Compositae, and it is prized for its high sugar content and medicinal properties.

🌿 Botanical Description

Stevia rebaudiana grows as a shrub, typically reaching heights of 45-120 cm. Its stems are erect or fallen, well-pubescent, and have a diameter of 1.0-1.5 cm at the base. The first-year plants have a single main stem with side stems, while older plants develop stems from rhizome buds.

🌾 Growing & Agrotechnics

• Sow Stevia seeds 1-2 cm deep in well-draining soil, with a temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) for germination.
• Provide full sun to partial shade and maintain a consistent moisture level.
• Soil pH should range from 6.0 to 7.0, with good drainage.
• Fertilize lightly, as Stevia is sensitive to over-fertilization.
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11, with frost tolerance of 10-15°C (50-59°F).

🗺️ Natural Growing Areas

Stevia rebaudiana is native to the subtropical regions of Paraguay and Brazil, thriving in areas with mild winters and hot, humid summers. It typically grows in well-drained soils at elevations between 500-1,500 meters.

✨ Interesting Facts

Stevia rebaudiana has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in South America. Its leaves contain stevioside, a natural sweetener 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is also used to lower blood pressure and as a natural remedy for digestive issues.

🌸 Cultivation and Harvesting

Stevia rebaudiana can be harvested year-round, with the leaves being the most valuable part of the plant. To encourage new growth, trim the plant back to about 10 cm from the ground after harvesting.

🌻 Propagation

Stevia rebaudiana can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, sow seeds in well-draining soil and maintain a consistent temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) for germination.