How to grow and take care of the Stevia plant   

The Stevia Rebaudiana herb is native to semi-humid subtropical regions of Paraguay and Brazil where wild plants grow on acid soils that are constantly moist, but not inundated. Therefore care must be taken to ensure that Stevia doesn't dry out in the garden. It should be provided with moist conditions all the time though standing water will breed rot and disease.

Stevia can be grown productively in moist climates by employing a few simple techniques. Raised beds or hills prevent accumulation of water while an organic mulch and regular watering guarantee a steady supply of moisture. Sandy soils need more irrigation. Trickle irrigation is ideal as it ensures consistent moisture levels without wetting leaves.

The plant beds should be mulched up to 6 inches deep with organic residue when hot weather sets in. This way, the shallow feeder roots will be protected and able to retain moisture. The plant’s growth gathers speed by mid summer. Side-dressing may not be required but low nitrogen or organic fertilizer could be applied when the plant starts growing. However, excess of nitrogen leads to tender growth and lesser leaf sweetness.

Since Stevia stems are susceptible to breakage during high winds, make way for side branching and a bushier plant by pinching. The plant should be preferably grown in a protected surrounding. Stevia Rebaudiana plants are fully grown before fungal diseases like Septoria Steviae and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum appear. The diseases can be prevented by not letting water stagnate. Careful weed control helps the plant grow well and resist diseases. Also, wetting leaves during irrigation should be avoided.

The following video shows growing stevia herb in California.

Harvesting Stevia

Stevia can be harvested multiple times or as needed when growing in your garden or patio.  Cut a stem and pinch off the leaves as needed.  The pinched leaves can be stewed overnight in water to yield a syrup which can be added in teas, salad dressings, and other foods needing low carbohydrate sweetness.  Alternatively, the leaves can be dried, crushed and added on top of desserts much like sprinkled powdered sugar or cocca.