Stevia
Pot Size: Grown in a 4-inch pot, ready for transplanting into your garden or a larger container.
Appearance & Growth Habit: Stevia is a small, bushy herb with bright green leaves and delicate, small white flowers. It grows to about 18-24 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, containers, or herb gardens. The leaves are the most prized part of the plant for their sweet flavor.
Care Requirements: Stevia thrives in full sun with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It prefers warm temperatures and should be watered regularly, but avoid waterlogging. It’s important to prune the plant to encourage new growth and maintain its bushy shape. In colder climates, it’s often treated as an annual or grown in pots to bring inside during winter.
Flavor Profile: Stevia leaves have a naturally sweet flavor that is much sweeter than sugar, but with no calories. The leaves have a slightly herbal taste with a mild aftertaste, which makes them a great sugar substitute in beverages, baked goods, and more.
Ideal Use: Use fresh or dried stevia leaves to sweeten beverages like tea, coffee, and smoothies, or sprinkle over fruit salads and desserts. It’s also perfect for baking, though you may need to adjust the quantities since stevia is far sweeter than sugar.
Special Benefits: Stevia is an all-natural sugar substitute with no calories or carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. The plant is also low-maintenance and resistant to many pests. Stevia attracts beneficial insects, like bees, to your garden, which aids in pollination.