How to grow Stevia in Australia
Grow in full sun in light, moist, well drained soil. Keep watering steady, as the shallow roots dislike both drying out and sitting wet.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 90 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to November | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to November | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to November | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | October and November | Annual in Melbourne. Sow after frost risk passes. Short season. |
| Adelaide & SA | October and November | Plant Oct to Nov after frost. It dies back in winter; mulch the crown or keep it in a pot under cover. |
| Perth & WA | September to November | |
| Tasmania | November | Treat as an annual. Plant Nov only, pot up and bring under cover before frost. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Annual. Very narrow frost-free window. |
| North Queensland | April to August | Best through the dry season. Plant Apr to Aug and harvest leaves before the wet, when stems rot. |
| Darwin & Top End | April to July | Best through the dry season. Plant Apr to Jul and harvest leaves before the wet, when stems rot. |
Varieties
- Stevia rebaudiana
Companion planting
Good companions
- Herbs
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick leaves once the plant is bushy, with the sweetest leaves just before it flowers. Snip sprigs or strip leaves; regular cutting keeps it productive.
Storage
Dry leaves and store in a sealed jar for 12+ months. Fresh leaves fridge 1 week.