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Can You Grow Stevia in Florida?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 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

Florida last frost

mid-January

Florida first frost

late December

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in Florida

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 11 – Mar 31

Dates are approximate, based on Florida'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 Florida

Florida is largely subtropical to tropical. North Florida has mild winters; South Florida and the Keys are essentially frost-free. Year-round growing is standard statewide.