Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
Family: Asteraceae
Tender perennial shrub. Native to Paraguay and Brazil.
The dried leaf is used for sweetening drinks and is 250 times sweeter than
sugar. Medicinally, Stevia is a flavoring agent, a wound healer,
a treatment for hypoglycemia and a digestive aid. Cultivation:
Extra care. Heat-dependent germinator (80 to 85 degrees F).
Sow in summer or in warm greenhouse. Sow seed on surface and press
in. Germ. in 1 to 2 weeks. Typical germ. rate 70%. The
plants thrive in rich garden soil, full sun to part shade, high temperature
and humidity and plenty of water. Plant 1 to 2 feet apart.
Return
to Herb Seed Index