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Can You Grow Stevia in Arkansas?

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grow indoors

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

Arkansas last frost

early March

Arkansas first frost

late November

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in Arkansas

Start indoors

Jan 10

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

May 6 – May 26

Dates are approximate, based on Arkansas'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 Arkansas

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Long warm summers support a wide range of vegetables and fruits. The Ozarks are slightly cooler.