Stevia

Growing

Stevia flavor depends on how you manage flowering. Trim the white and purple flowers off as soon as they appear. Blooming can reduce the sweetness of the foliage, so pinching back the flower buds directs the plant's energy into leaves.

Aim for slightly acidic to neutral soil, between pH 6.0 and 7.0, at a site with good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. This tender perennial cannot withstand even a light frost, so treat it as a warm-season crop and transplant indoor starts only once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Pick the leaves at peak sweetness and use them immediately. If you have extra, dry the leaves for later use. Keep harvested leaves unwashed before storing them at room temperature to prevent moisture buildup.