Small seed capsules develop from the pretty white flowers of the stevia over the course of the summer. If you collect these seeds, you can grow many small stevia plants from them.
How do I grow stevia plants from seeds?
To grow stevia plants from seeds, you need an ambient temperature of at least 22 degrees, an evenly moist substrate and sufficient light. However, the germination rate is only about 15%. Pay attention to proper care, such as daily moistening, separating and avoiding waterlogging.
Development of seeds
When breeding from seeds, it is therefore important to cut off the calyxes in good time. Place the capsules on a kitchen towel for a few days until the seeds fall out when tapped lightly.
Sowing seeds
In order for the seeds to germinate, they need an evenly moist substrate and an ambient temperature of at least 22 degrees. Stevia is a light germinator, so do not cover the seeds with soil. Only when light stimuli fall on the dark grains for several hours a day does the seed come to life and a new stevia plant develops.
Even under the best conditions, the germination rate of the honey leaf is only around fifteen percent. Even seeds that you purchase from specialist retailers usually do not have a higher germination rate. Therefore, always place several seeds in a cultivation container and separate the plants if the seedlings become too dense after a few weeks.
Caring for the small seedlings
It is important that you pay a lot of attention to the newly sprouted stevia plants.
- Carefully moisten the substrate daily with a sprayer (€7.00 on Amazon).
- Be sure to avoid waterlogging.
- Ensure an evenly moist microclimate using a plastic bag.
- To prevent rot and mold from forming, air the plants daily or open the mini greenhouse a small gap.
Separating the seedlings
Once the small stevia plants have reached a size of ten centimeters, they are separated and placed in separate pots. Prick the plants into large containers with a diameter of fifteen centimeters so that the strong storage roots can develop well. Accustom the heat-loving stevia to the outdoors carefully and do not expose the seedlings to direct sunlight in the first few weeks.
Tips & Tricks
If you don't plan to breed again, you shouldn't leave too many of the pretty flowers on the plant. Cut back the bud bases and shoot tips regularly so that the stevia forms more branches and grows bushy.
