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Image of Stevia
rebaudiana or Stevia
or Sweet Herb of Paraguay coming soon...
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Stevia
rebaudiana
(Stevia, Sweet Herb of Paraguay). |
Origin: Native to Paraguay , South America
Light: Full sun
Height: 30"
Spacing: 2'
Blooms: White
Foliage: Green
Soil: Well-drained, composted, moist
Water: Regular
Propagation: Seeds (Surface sow)
Uses: Container, indoors, as a sweetner
Caution: May be invasive
Comments:
Stevia
rebaudiana or Stevia
or Sweet Herb of Paraguay
is a tropical herbal plant with an upright growth habit. The
foliage contains properties of a natural
sweetener, up to 300 times sweeter than regular cane sugar.
Stevia
rebaudiana is
a safe alternative sweetener that is fast replacing regular cane sugar.
It can
be easily propagated from seeds and thrives best
in well-drained, moist composted soil in a sunny location.
Ideally, temperatures of 50's or 60's is most condusive.
Stevia
does not like frost, so protection
is necessary.
Mulch well in Summer to
retain moisture.
Stevia is popularly grown by
many gardeners for their own consumption. Use fresh or dried grounded leaves or in liquid
form, sparingly in tea, coffee or other drinks; a small teaspoon
will taste as sweet as a cup of cane sugar. Stevia rebaudiana
contains zero calorie and
is fast gaining
in popularity with diabetics as a diet supplement. Stevia has also been approved by the Food
and Drug Administration and is commercially sold in pharmaceutical
stores. In zone 8
Sweet Herb
of Paraguay
will die back to the ground and return
the following season with renewed growth. For colder areas, it is an annual;
grow in a pot so you can bring plant
indoors for the Winter till weather warms up.
USDA Zones: 8 and
above |
