Stevia rebaudiana SUGAR LEAF (25 seeds)

Stevia, also known as sweet leaf, sugar leaf is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. While it is treated as an annual species in our latitudes, it is native to the tropical regions of South and Central America. It typically measures between 30 to 50 cm in height and has a relatively fast growth rate.

Its white flowering, shaped like clusters, takes place from September to November. Its leaves are bluish-green and emit a sweet fragrance.

Sweet leaf seeds from Stevia rebaudiana are long and equipped with a small feathery "flyer" to facilitate wind dispersal.

- Properties:

For hundreds of years, the Guarani Native Americans have used its leaves as a sweetener in their infusions and for its many therapeutic virtues. They also used another similar species known as Aztec sweet herb.

The leaf extracts contain Stevioside, a molecule with high sweetening power. This extract has the significant advantage of having nearly zero calories.

Stevia can be used in drinks or desserts and is available in various forms—dried leaves, liquid extracts, or powder—making it easy to incorporate into culinary recipes.

- Seed Germination and Sowing:

• The best period for sowing Stevia is from June until mid-August.
• Use a finely sifted and slightly moist substrate, such as horticultural potting soil.
• Sprinkle the seeds on top without burying them (they need light to germinate).
• Water manually and gently by spraying.
• Press down the substrate firmly during planting.
• Place the culture in a warm and humid spot at a temperature near 30°C; a small greenhouse is perfect.
• Germination occurs 3 to 5 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type:

It grows in airy soil rich in organic matter. Horticultural potting soil or homemade compost will suit it perfectly.

- Light Exposure:

This high-sweetening plant needs bright light; it is best to find a location in full sun or partial shade.

- Cultivation Temperature:

It loves heat and requires temperatures between 25 and 30°C to grow effectively. Note that in winter, you must bring it indoors and prune the aerial parts.

- Watering:

Being quite resilient, water hemp does not require frequent watering. Simple mulching during the summer and bi-annual deep watering (as a baseline) are usually sufficient, though soil should remain slightly moist.

- Multiplication:

Stevia can be reproduced in three ways:

• By sowing during the summer.
• By cuttings of the stems in summer.
• By division of the plant just before the spring season.

- Pests:

There are few predators, but it occasionally attracts aphids or whiteflies. These can easily be treated with an organic solution based on black soap.