Sweet Honey Leaf, Stevia

Heat Tolerance: Afternoon shade in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Highlands of Paraguay

Growth Habits: Shrubby perennial, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm)

Watering Needs: Keep soil moist

Propagation: Cuttings or seeds

Stevia rebaudiana from the rain forests of Brazil and Paraguay contains stevioside and rebaudiosideA, substances that is 100-300 times sweeter than table sugar, yet it contains virtually no calories and is not broken down by heat. The greatest use of stevia today can be found in Japan where it accounts for 40% of the sweetener market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't approved using stevia in food in this country, but extracts can be found as dietary supplements.

Blooming Habits:
In the fall, the Stevia rebaudiana has showy inflorescences of small white flowers with darker center. The flowering is provoked by shorter days, the plant is the sweetest just before blooming.

Propagation:
Stevia seeds have a reputation of having a a very poor germination rate.