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Can You Grow Stevia in Nova Scotia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 6 · zones 5, 6

Grow indoors

Grow in a container and bring indoors before frost — it produces well under a grow light.

Plant zones

8a–11b

Nova Scotia last frost

early April

Nova Scotia first frost

late October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in Nova Scotia

Start indoors

Feb 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

May 31 – Jun 20

Dates are approximate, based on Nova Scotia's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Stevia

Stevia is the natural zero-calorie sweetener — the leaves are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Easy to grow as a container plant and overwinter indoors in cold climates.

Start from transplants (seeds have low germination). Grow in a pot and overwinter indoors in frost-prone zones. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers — sweetness peaks pre-flower. Dry leaves and crush for sweetener.

Full stevia growing guide →

Gardening in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a maritime climate moderated by the Atlantic. Most of the province is Zone 5b-6a; the Annapolis Valley is Zone 6a-6b and one of Canada's premier apple-growing regions.