{"product_id":"ga-stevia-stevia-bio","title":"Organic Stevia 'Stevia'","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"139\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"139\"\u003eOrganic 'Stevia' (Stevia rebaudiana) from the seed company Gaia, a natural, sweet, medicinal and surprisingly potent sugar plant\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"696\"\u003eStevia is a remarkable herb, long kept secret by the peoples of South America. Its \u003cstrong data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"267\"\u003etender green leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e , chewed or dried, reveal an \u003cstrong data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"326\"\u003eintense sweetness\u003c\/strong\u003e , nearly \u003cstrong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"373\"\u003e300 times sweeter than sugar\u003c\/strong\u003e , but without calories or carbohydrates. This compact herbaceous plant reaches about \u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"471\"\u003e60 cm in height\u003c\/strong\u003e , producing slender, \u003cstrong data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"512\"\u003ebranching stems\u003c\/strong\u003e that top with charming \u003cstrong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"567\"\u003ewhite flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e . Grown in pots or flowerbeds, it thrives in fertile, light, well-drained soil and a sunny, filtered location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"698\" data-end=\"947\"\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"954\" data-end=\"983\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"981\"\u003eDid you know that?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"984\" data-end=\"1634\"\u003eStevia has been used for centuries by the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1060\"\u003eGuarani people of Paraguay\u003c\/strong\u003e , who called it \u003cem data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1090\"\u003eka'a he'ẽ\u003c\/em\u003e , meaning \" \u003cstrong data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1110\"\u003esweet herb\u003c\/strong\u003e .\" They added it to their yerba mate teas to soften the bitterness and considered it a sacred plant. Today, Stevia rebaudiana has become a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eglobally recognized natural sweetener\u003c\/strong\u003e , prized for weight management, blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1476\"\u003esugar substitute without sacrificing sweetness\u003c\/strong\u003e . Its leaves contain glycosides such as \u003cstrong data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1547\"\u003erebaudioside A\u003c\/strong\u003e , responsible for its intense sweetness without impacting blood sugar levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1639\"\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1864\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1662\"\u003eCompanion plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Thyme, marjoram, rhubarb, calendula, sweet woodruff, oregano, lemon verbena\u003cbr data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1748\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eNegative plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : — (no major known incompatibilities, but avoid excessively wet soils or strong competition)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1866\" data-end=\"2161\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1866\" data-end=\"1886\"\u003eSpread\/Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e : Herbaceous, bushy\u003cbr data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1912\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1932\"\u003ePlant height\u003c\/strong\u003e : 50 to 60 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"1948\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"1971\"\u003eQuantity per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e : 10 seeds\u003cbr data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"1987\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"2004\"\u003eCertification\u003c\/strong\u003e : Environmentally friendly product\u003cbr data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2032\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2050\"\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/strong\u003e : Extremely sweet, calorie-free, medicinal plant, ideal for infusions and natural sweetening\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2324\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2185\"\u003eFlower color\u003c\/strong\u003e : White \u003cbr data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2196\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2228\"\u003eFoliage shape\/texture\u003c\/strong\u003e : Soft, oval, slightly toothed leaves\u003cbr data-start=\"2274\" data-end=\"2277\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2295\"\u003eAroma\/flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e : Sweet, herbaceous, tropical\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2329\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003eFarming method\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2699\"\u003e Sow indoors \u003cstrong data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2422\"\u003e8 to 10 weeks before the last frost\u003c\/strong\u003e , or directly outdoors in late April. \u003cstrong data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2497\"\u003eGermination is delicate\u003c\/strong\u003e : use a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2512\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003eheat mat\u003c\/strong\u003e (21–24°C) and keep the potting mix slightly moist but never soggy. Cover the seeds very lightly ( \u003cstrong data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2651\"\u003e6 mm \/ 1\/4\"\u003c\/strong\u003e ). Germination occurs in \u003cstrong data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2698\"\u003e10 to 16 days\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"2941\"\u003eTransplant when the soil has warmed up. Space the plants \u003cstrong data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2775\"\u003e45 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e apart, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"2796\"\u003e60 to 90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e between rows. Stevia prefers \u003cstrong data-start=\"2835\" data-end=\"2863\"\u003efiltered sunlight (level 2)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2870\" data-end=\"2900\"\u003emoderate watering (level 2)\u003c\/strong\u003e . Too much water damages its delicate roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2943\" data-end=\"2946\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"2979\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"2979\"\u003eHarvesting and preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2981\" data-end=\"3331\"\u003e Harvest \u003cstrong data-start=\"2994\" data-end=\"3015\"\u003efresh leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout the summer, preferably in the morning. Cut back the top stems to encourage denser growth. The leaves \u003cstrong data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3158\"\u003edry very well\u003c\/strong\u003e : 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3434\"\u003eFresh leaves can be kept \u003cstrong data-start=\"3369\" data-end=\"3392\"\u003efor one to two weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e in the refrigerator, lightly wrapped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3439\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3441\" data-end=\"3468\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"3445\" data-end=\"3468\"\u003eUsage ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3791\"\u003e • Naturally sweeten herbal teas, coffees, drinks and smoothies\u003cbr data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3536\"\u003e • Prepare \u003cstrong data-start=\"3551\" data-end=\"3579\"\u003esugar-free sweet syrups\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3579\" data-end=\"3582\"\u003e • Incorporate into \u003cstrong data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3638\"\u003elight or diet desserts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3638\" data-end=\"3641\"\u003e • Perfecting herbal teas made from medicinal plants (mint, chamomile, nettle…)\u003cbr data-start=\"3714\" data-end=\"3717\"\u003e • Make \u003cstrong data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3759\"\u003ehomemade stevia powder\u003c\/strong\u003e from dried leaves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"3793\" data-end=\"3796\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"3798\" data-end=\"4065\"\u003e Stevia is a gentle, amazing, and incredibly useful plant, both in the garden and in the kitchen. A true \u003cstrong data-start=\"3904\" data-end=\"3938\"\u003enatural alternative to sugar\u003c\/strong\u003e , it is at once a heritage plant, medicinal, and incredibly fragrant—a gift for gardeners concerned with health and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075561250976,"sku":"GAI-SEMENCES","price":4.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/Stevia_Stevia_bioGaia.jpg?v=1765315413","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/ga-stevia-stevia-bio","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}