Stevia rebaudiana (Sweet Leaf) is a perennial plant species that is native to humid and wet regions of Brazil and Paraguay. Sweet Leaf or simply Stevia is a natural sweetener that is used commercially as a substitute for sugar. It is also growing in popularity as a medicinal herb and as an alternative treatment for weight loss.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Steve rebaudiana, the plant, is also commonly known as Sugar Leaf and Candyleaf but the substance produced from the leaves is widely referred to as just Stevia. Some studies have shown that the sweet chemical compound in Stevia is up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar.
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Growth
Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial plant that grows to a maximum height of around 1 metre (3 feet) and thrives in warm, humid and moist environments. In temperate climates such as England and Japan, Sweet Leaf is successfully cultivated in greenhouses where conditions can be controlled.
As the plant establishes, they can tolerate a very light frost but will often turn dormant and wait until warmer weather returns. Any new growth or young seedlings will often die in temperatures below 5°C / 41°F.
In ideal climates, it takes around 6 months to harvest the first leaves of a Sweet Leaf plant and can continually produce for around five years.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15-30°C / 62-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20cm (8 inches)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
6-9 months
GERMINATION RATES:
45-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 15-25°C / 62-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT STEVIA REBAUDIANA (Sweet Leaf)
For centuries, Stevia rebaudiana has been used by the Guarani people in Brazil and Paraguay to sweeten the local yerba mate tea and as a medicinal herb.
Moises Bertoni was the first to botanically describe the Sweet Leaf in 1899 during a trip to South America.
Although more studies are required, some cultures have used the leaves to treat candidiasis, skin conditions, depression, hypertension, wound healing and obesity.
The leaves are also said to be used to treat diabetes but studies have yet to find any clinical results.
