Stevia

Description

The Naturally Sweet Sugar Substitute for Healthy Living

Discover the power of natural sweetness with Stevia ‘Candy’, a remarkable herb native to South America and renowned for being up to 300 times sweeter than sugar while remaining completely calorie-free and low-glycemic. This fast-growing, sun-loving plant matures quickly, reaching its peak sweetness just before flowering in late summer to fall. Historically prized by the Guaraní people for centuries, Stevia has become a popular, health-conscious alternative to artificial sweeteners and refined sugar worldwide.

Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with Stevia ‘Candy’. Its fresh or dried leaves can sweeten beverages like coffee and tea, or serve as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking. Unlike many sweeteners, Stevia remains stable at high temperatures, making it perfect for baked goods and hot dishes. With no calories or carbohydrates, it’s an excellent choice for those managing diabetes, watching their weight, or simply seeking cleaner alternatives. The leaves can even be enjoyed fresh to help curb sugar cravings or processed into syrup or powder for versatile use.

Stevia ‘Candy’ is a bushy perennial in zones 10 and warmer, or grown as an annual in cooler regions, reaching 18–30 inches tall and about 18 inches wide. Begin growing indoors about 8–10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant to a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Space plants 18 inches apart, water consistently, and apply mulch to conserve moisture. Harvest leaves in the morning once the dew has dried, just before flowering for optimal sweetness. Prune regularly to encourage compact, leafy growth and dry leaves for year-round use.

Growing Success Tips

• Begin indoors 8–10 weeks before the final frost for best early growth.

• Plant in full sun to part shade with rich, well-drained soil (pH 6.7–7.2).

• Water regularly while avoiding overly wet soil.

• Prune often to promote bushiness and maximize leaf production.

Stevia ‘Candy’ offers a sustainable, natural way to satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your health. Grow your own supply and enjoy a fresh, homegrown sweetener that’s simple to cultivate and endlessly useful in the kitchen.

For the highest sweetness, harvest just before the plant begins to flower in late summer to fall.

Product Features

• Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana

• Sweetness: Up to 300× sweeter than sugar

• Plant Size: 18–30″ tall, 18″ wide

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy perennial (zones 10+); annual elsewhere

• Container Friendly: Excellent for pots and raised beds

Growing Information

• Light: Full sun to part shade

• Soil: Rich, loamy, well-drained; pH 6.7–7.2

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist

• Spacing: 18″ apart or in 12″ containers

• Transplanting: Move outdoors after frost danger has passed

Key Benefits

• Natural, calorie-free sweetener for beverages, cooking, and baking

• Suitable for low-carb lifestyles and diabetic-friendly gardens

• Thrives in containers and gardens with fast, abundant leaf production

• Heat-stable—ideal for baking and hot dishes without bitterness