Stevia, also known as sweet herb or honey leaf, thrives perennially, but is not hardy in our latitudes. With good care, you can continuously harvest sweet herb leaves during the growing season and use them fresh or preserve them.

The water requirement of the sweet herb

Stevia plants love the change between wet and dry and thrive optimally under these conditions. Therefore, water the honeyweed regularly and then allow the root ball to dry so far that it only feels slightly damp inside (thumb test). However, be sure to avoid waterlogging, to which the sweetweed is very sensitive.

Fertilize moderately

Fertilize the stevia plant extremely sparingly, because like many herbs, stevia becomes susceptible to disease if oversupplied with nutrients. Fertilize once a month at most during the growth period and refrain from additional fertilizer for at least three months after repotting.

Repot regularly

Potted stevia needs to be repotted whenever the plant has outgrown its old pot. The sweet herb needs a lot of space to develop freely and forms strong, flat storage roots. Therefore, choose generous pots or bowls. Normal potting soil or special herbal soil is suitable as a plant substrate.

Pruning ensures vigorous growth

Shorten the sweet leaf regularly during the summer months so that the plant grows stronger and bushier. Even before the first cool nights announce autumn, you should cut back the stevia to a length of about ten centimeters.

Common pests and diseases:

When cared for correctly, stevia is a very hardy herb. The sweetweed reacts to over-fertilization with unstable stems and weak, light-green leaves. In this case, do not fertilize the plant for a few weeks. Light, white spots on the underside of the leaves indicate powdery mildew or white rust. Cut back these shoots or fight the plant disease with suitable means.

Overwinter Stevia:

Since Stevia is sensitive to frost, the sweet herb cannot be overwintered outdoors. Dig up the stevia in autumn before the first night frosts and overwinter the plant in a bright place.

tips and tricks

Stevia is very valuable for people who are not allowed or do not want to eat sugar. Dose the herb very sparingly, however, as it develops a slightly bitter-sweet taste if overdosed.

Category:

Vegetable garden