The natives of South America already took advantage of the flavoring power of stevia and sweetened dishes and drinks with the leaves of the herb. Although the honey herb is not hardy, the plant can also be cultivated in our latitudes on the balcony or in the herb garden.
How do I properly care for the stevia plant?
To grow stevia successfully, the plant needs a sunny, warm and wind-protected location, nutrient-poor and loosened soil and a planting distance of 30-50 cm. The planting time is after the Ice Saints, the harvest takes place every three weeks. Stevia must overwinter frost-free.
Which location does Stevia prefer?
Give the heat-loving plant a sunny, warm and wind-protected location in the garden or on the balcony. The plant is not frost hardy and has to overwinter indoors.
Which substrate is suitable?
Stevia plants prefer barren and nutrient-poor soils. Before planting, loosen humus-rich garden soil with a little sand or pumice (€14.00 on Amazon).
How much space does the plant need?
Maintain a planting distance of around thirty to fifty centimeters in the bed so that the herb can develop well.
When is planting time?
After the Ice Saints, the pots with the sweetleaf can be moved to the balcony. As soon as the soil has warmed up sufficiently, you can transplant the honey leaf, which is used to the changed conditions, outdoors.
Can you propagate stevia yourself?
Growing stevia is not difficult. You can get honey herb from
- Seeds
- Cuttings
- Lowering core
Easily pull it yourself.
When is harvest time?
Harvest the leaves of the sweet herb at least every three weeks and remove the entire shoot tip. This encourages the plant to branch out richly and form new shoots.
How are the leaves processed?
You can use the leaves fresh immediately to give hot drinks a pleasantly sweet aroma. Dose carefully, five to six papers per pot are usually enough.
Alternatively, you can dry the stevia herb and get a liquid extract from the honey herb yourself.
How does the plant overwinter?
If you have a heated winter garden or a heated greenhouse with temperatures of at least 18 degrees Celsius, you can cultivate the stevia without a winter break.
If you don't have this option, the plant is cut back to around five centimeters in autumn and dug up. Place the honey herb in nutrient-poor soil and move the plant to a frost-free room until next spring. From March onwards, place the stevia in a bright window to stimulate re-growth.
Tips & Tricks
Honeywort is considered a natural sweetener for carefree enjoyment. The natural sweetener does not harm your teeth or your figure and therefore offers enjoyment without regret.
