**GROWN ON OUR FARM HERE IN TENNESSEE**

** 30 SEEDS ** non-caloric!

STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana) is a native to Paraguay where it has been used for centuries as an all-natural sweetener. It is just becoming familiar to Americans and Europeans (but some Asian cultures have been using for some time now). The FDA has approved Stevia as a dietary supplement. Its extracts are 200-300 times sweeter than cane sugar! Home growers need to be aware that there is not a lot of established growing information about Stevia. As it comes from a sub-tropical environment, it should be treated as an annual until experience tells you otherwise. But it is a good container prospect so you can winter indoors with proper acclimation. Happily, light pruning of the plant tips maximizes plant yield and strengthens branches. Wait until the main shoots are 10" long and/or side branches are 9" long before pruning and enjoy your harvest!
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Hardy Annual
Mature Height: 3' to 4'
300 Times Sweeter Than Sugar!
Can be grown as a perenial in zones 8a-10

MEDICINAL USES: Stevia is a 100% natural, effective and safe alternative to sugar. Use the leaves fresh in teas and coffee (just add a tiny leaf to your brewing grounds to pre-sweeten). Or make tinctures for other liquid form uses. Can also be dried and ground into a white powder, which is the form you find in health food stores. Use with culinary caution as it is powerfully sweet - 1 teaspoon of Stevia equals 1 cup of cane sugar!

** These Plants get HUGE ! **

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