Gardening Edible Gardening Herbs Stevia By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 1, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Stevia develops sweet-tasting foliage that's an excellent alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners. Given enough moisture, this tropical plant thrives in containers or in the landscape. Just be sure to plant it where the soil drains well; stevia will not thrive in constantly wet soil and resents heavy clay. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers. In northern climates, move stevia indoors before frost hits and treat it like a houseplant. Stevia Overview Genus Name Stevia rebaudiana Common Name Stevia Plant Type Herb Light Sun Height 1 to 3 feet Width 18 to 18 inches Flower Color White Season Features Fall Bloom, Summer Bloom Special Features Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 10, 11 Propagation Seed, Stem Cuttings Pruning and Harvesting Stevia foliage can be harvested at any time, but it is the most flavorful in the late summer and early fall. The foliage can be used fresh or dried to flavor beverages or to sweeten meat or vegetable dishes. The amount of sweetness varies from plant to plant, so you might want to grow several if you have the space. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit