Wednesday 16 May 2012

HOW TO GROW STEVIA PLANTS


Growing of Stevia plant is not an easy task. Stevia is considered as a difficult herb to grow, but it has proved to be quite adaptable and capable of being cultivated in climate zones as diverse as Florida and southern Canada. 
If you are growing stevia for the first time keep in mind that it does well in containers. It can be used as a ground powder or liquid in baking or in desserts. If you are planning to grow it inside surface sow seed 8 weeks before the last frost date. Germinate them using gentle bottom heat. It is very necessary to provide good drainage and overwatering should be avoided. After all risk of frost is overcome plant the stevia plants outside but 8 inches apart into a full sun location. If you wish to over winter the plants inside, remove the plants from your garden before the temperature drops below 10 degrees C. Use containers to grow these plants for best results. Leaves can be used (fresh or dried) directly in hot drinks. The length of the plants should be 24 inches.
 The complete procedure of growing stevia is explained below –
1.   Sowing of Seeds - It is best to propagate stevia plants from cuttings or tissue culture from a successful plant. Germination success of stevia plant from seed normally has a very low percentage. Sometimes the percentage is only 10%. The increase in germination success percentage depends on the selection of the seeds. If we select dark seeds and plant only those seeds - germination should exceed to 85%. Sweetness of stevia depends on the type of seeds we are using.
2.   Care and Growing - Stevia should be planted in the spring after the soil temperature reaches 65 deg F., in full sun and in a light, sandy, open, well drained soil with neutral pH. Fertilizer should be of standard quality for better results. To keep roots cool, preserve water, keeps the leave clean from soil (prevents dirty taste in green powder) and hold down weeds apply a layer of mulch, such as grass clippings, or bark mulch. Avoid weeding around mature stevia plants as their branches are brittle and can be easily broken. Overwatering should be avoided after transplanting and in winter as houseplant. Keep evenly moist during summer heat. Drip or soaker hose are very effective for summer watering.
3.   Harvesting – It is recommended to harvest entire plant as flower buds appear. Harvest only in the morning for highest sugar content, whether pinching tips or harvesting entire plants. The full harvest season will occur in late September or early October. Harvesting is done by cutting the entire plant at the base. With a rubber band, tie loose branches together and hang upside down to dry under warm, dark, drafty conditions for 2-4 days. Usage of food dehydrators should be avoided or open oven doors as this will also tend to cause a bitter flavor. Remove all the small branches and grind leaves into powder using an electric coffee grinder for 25-30 seconds. The final product is ready for usage.

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