P:I got stevia, the so-called sweet leaves. Please give me some information about it. Can it be grown in the ground?
O:Stevia Stevia belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. Occurs in South and Central America. It includes about 240 species. Stevia rebaudiana is of particular utility because it contains a large amount of sweetening compounds (steviosides) and therefore it is used to sweeten drinks and dishes.
Compared to sugar, it is much less caloric.Besides, it has the ability to lower blood pressure. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Stevia is a plant with low soil requirements. It prefers permeable, humus-rich, slightly acidic soils. It can be planted in the ground in mid-May, when the soil is warm enough.Plants grow quickly then.Do not water it excessively.
Before planting the seedlings in the ground, they need to get used to the sun by exposing the plant to the eastern window sill.The permanent stevia site should be sunny and sheltered from the wind.
Stevia in the early stage of development has delicate shoots that can be damaged by strong winds, especially during storms.In our climate, we treat it as an annual plant, because its stems are damaged at -6˚ C.Can be kept in warm rooms over the winter.
Collection of leaves should be carried out in the fall (even in October), because the leaves become noticeably sweeter during this time.The use of the leaves is optional.You can eat them raw (younger leaves are less sweet), boil, bake and add to sour food.
