Stevia Sweetleaf is a fantastic addition to your herb garden, thriving as a perennial in USDA Zones 9 - 10 or when cultivated indoors. This 24-inch tall perennial is commonly utilized as a natural alternative to sugar.
The leaves can be used directly in hot beverages or brewed into tea. For sweetening, 3 tablespoons of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of powdered stevia can substitute for 1 cup of sugar. This herb can enhance the flavor of any drink without adding calories, carbohydrates, or causing tooth decay, making it safe for diabetics.
Stevia can flourish in various soil types when grown from herb seeds, though it thrives best in sandy loam or loamy soil rich in organic matter. To cultivate a robust plant in your herb garden, plant around 10 seeds.