Stevia is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae or Asteraceae family. There are about 250 varieties of herbaceous plants and shrubs in this family. The most popular cultivated plant is Stevia rebaudiana.
Description of stevia herb
Stevia is a herbaceous perennial plant. It grows in the form of a multi-stemmed bush up to 1.2 m in height. A plant with a well-developed fibrous root system and pubescent shoots. The leaves are opposite, solid, slightly serrated along the edge, grow up to 7 cm in length. Stevia leaves are high in sugar. The flowers are small, white, and are represented by inflorescences-baskets.
Growing stevia from seeds
Sowing seeds
Stevia is best grown using seedlings. The most suitable time for planting seeds for seedlings is late March-early April. Seed containers must be filled with a special substrate. To prepare the soil, you need to mix humus and coarse sand in a ratio of 1: 2. Seeds must be evenly distributed over the surface of the moistened soil, without deepening. After planting, containers should be covered with glass or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect and placed in a well-lit, warm place. After the shoots appear, it is necessary to remove the plastic wrap or glass.
Stevia seedlings
During the cultivation of seedlings, you need to monitor the temperature, since at a temperature of less than 15 degrees, the seedlings will die. When the seedlings have two true leaves, they must be carefully transplanted into separate pots along with an earthen lump. The soil in the pots should also be made of humus and coarse sand, but you also need to add sod land. Seedlings need to be watered regularly, but moderately. As for fertilization, you need to make additional fertilizing weekly. Use a weak solution of a complex mineral fertilizer as fertilizer.
Before planting seedlings in open ground, it must be injected within 2 weeks. To do this, you need to take out the pots with seedlings to fresh air starting from 10 minutes and gradually increasing the time. It is necessary to continue hardening until the seedlings are in the fresh air around the clock. It is necessary to plant seedlings in open ground at a time when the soil warms up enough and the night frosts disappear. The most suitable time for planting seedlings in open ground is the second half of May and the first half of June. It is best to transplant in the evening or on a cloudy day.
Planting stevia outdoors
The site for planting stevia should be well lit and protected from wind and drafts. The soil should be loose and slightly acidic. If the soil in the garden is not suitable and heavy, it is necessary to add humus, sod soil and coarse sand to it during digging.It is not necessary to add peat, as it will make the plant grow poorly. The content of lime in the soil is also not permissible.
You need to plant seedlings in prepared holes. The distance between the plants should be about 35-40 cm. The distance between the rows is 50-60 cm. After planting, the soil around the plants should be well compacted and sprayed with plenty of water. Then gently spud each bush and mulch the soil with herbal ingredients. The roots of the plant are on the surface and therefore may suffer from drying out.
Stevia garden care
For the normal growth of stevia, frequent and abundant watering is needed, gentle loosening of the soil and removal of weeds. If this is not done, then the plant will not be able to grow and develop properly. Stevia loves always moist soil, but does not tolerate stagnant water. In order for the soil to be moist and not dry out quickly, after watering, it is necessary to mulch the soil around the plants well.
You need to feed a perennial plant every 2 weeks. Organic fertilizers such as mullein solution or bird droppings are suitable as top dressing. In autumn, you can feed the plant with compost or humus.
Diseases and pests
Stevia is very rarely affected by various diseases. If the grass grows far from trees and shrubs, then no diseases are afraid of it. Seedlings can be infected with an infection such as a black leg. In order for this infection not to hit the seedlings, it must be treated with special solutions. For example, Previkur's solution is great.
Types and varieties of stevia
Currently, stevia is not a very popular plant among gardeners, so it's not worth talking about the varieties for now. But some of the more popular varieties are available:
Detskoselskaya - grows from 50 cm to 60 cm in height. The diameter of the bush reaches up to 30 cm. The stem has pubescence and a light green tint. Leaves are elliptical, whole, bright green, up to 4 cm in length. Light beige baskets.
Dulcinea - grows up to 1.1 m in height. The stem is round. Leaves are opposite with a crenate edge. The plant is completely covered with small hairs. Flowers are white in diameter up to 4 cm.
There are a few more varieties, but they are less popular. For example, Sofia, Uslada, Ramonskaya sweet tooth and Honey grass.
Useful properties and contraindications
Healing properties of setvia
Stevia contains a very sweet substance called stevioside. Its taste is both sweet and slightly bitter. Thanks to this substance, stevia is widely used not only in cooking, but also in pharmaceuticals. In addition to this substance, the plant contains many different minerals and vitamins that are necessary for the proper growth and development of the body. Eating stevia leaves strengthens the immune system, improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. It is useful for hypertension and obesity. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, disinfectant, anti-cancer effects. Reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Contraindications
Contraindications to taking stevia only in case of individual intolerance. Nursing mothers and pregnant women need to use such a plant with caution.
