Organic Stevia 'Stevia'

Organic 'Stevia' (Stevia rebaudiana) from the seed company Gaia, a natural, sweet, medicinal and surprisingly potent sugar plant

Stevia is a remarkable herb, long kept secret by the peoples of South America. Its tender green leaves , chewed or dried, reveal an intense sweetness , nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar , but without calories or carbohydrates. This compact herbaceous plant reaches about 60 cm in height , producing slender, branching stems that top with charming white flowers . Grown in pots or flowerbeds, it thrives in fertile, light, well-drained soil and a sunny, filtered location.

Its taste is unique: an immediate, slightly herbaceous sweetness that is released as soon as a leaf is crushed or chewed. It is perfect for sweetening herbal teas, infusions, flavored waters, desserts, or recipes requiring natural sweetness.

Did you know that

Stevia has been used for centuries by the Guarani people of Paraguay , who called it ka'a he'ẽ , meaning " sweet herb ." They added it to their yerba mate teas to soften the bitterness and considered it a sacred plant. Today, Stevia rebaudiana has become a globally recognized natural sweetener , prized for weight management, blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and as a sugar substitute without sacrificing sweetness . Its leaves contain glycosides such as rebaudioside A , responsible for its intense sweetness without impacting blood sugar levels.

Companion plants : Thyme, marjoram, rhubarb, calendula, sweet woodruff, oregano, lemon verbena
Negative plants : — (no major known incompatibilities, but avoid excessively wet soils or strong competition)

Spread/Habit : Herbaceous, bushy
Plant height : 50 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 10 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Extremely sweet, calorie-free, medicinal plant, ideal for infusions and natural sweetening

Flower color : White
Foliage shape/texture : Soft, oval, slightly toothed leaves
Aroma/flavor : Sweet, herbaceous, tropical

Farming method

Sow indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost , or directly outdoors in late April. Germination is delicate : use a heat mat (21–24°C) and keep the potting mix slightly moist but never soggy. Cover the seeds very lightly ( 6 mm / 1/4" ). Germination occurs in 10 to 16 days .

Transplant when the soil has warmed up. Space the plants 45 cm apart, with 60 to 90 cm between rows. Stevia prefers filtered sunlight (level 2) and moderate watering (level 2) . Too much water damages its delicate roots.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest fresh leaves throughout the summer, preferably in the morning. Cut back the top stems to encourage denser growth. The leaves dry very well : hang bunches in a warm, dry, and airy place, then grind them into a powder or keep them whole to sweeten autumn and winter drinks and herbal teas.

Fresh leaves can be kept for one to two weeks in the refrigerator, lightly wrapped.

Usage ideas

• Naturally sweeten herbal teas, coffees, drinks and smoothies
• Prepare sugar-free sweet syrups
• Incorporate into light or diet desserts
• Perfecting herbal teas made from medicinal plants (mint, chamomile, nettle…)
• Make homemade stevia powder from dried leaves

Stevia is a gentle, amazing, and incredibly useful plant, both in the garden and in the kitchen. A true natural alternative to sugar , it is at once a heritage plant, medicinal, and incredibly fragrant—a gift for gardeners concerned with health and flavor.