Stevia Plant

Also known as 'sweetleaf', this member of the chrysanthemum family is native to Paraguay and Brazil, where its leaves have been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. A tender perennial with oval, bright green leaves and an upright habit, Stevia will reach a height of 12 to 18 ins (30-45 cms) and grows well in containers.

• Perennial but very tender and susceptible to cold.
• Prefers a rich soil and warm environment.
• Needs frost protection in winter.
• Best grown in containers which can be moved indoors in winter.
• Produces white flowers if left untrimmed.
• Do not allow to flower if planning to use leaves as sweetening agent.

Culinary Uses

Leaves can be dried and ground to use as a natural sweetener.

Fresh leaves can be steeped in warm water for 12 hours to use as a sweetening agent.