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Can You Grow Stevia in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Stevia grows as a perennial in your zone — harvest leaves all season for a natural sweetener.

Plant zones

8a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 11 – Mar 31

Dates are approximate, based on California'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 California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.