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Can You Grow Stevia in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Won't grow here

Stevia is frost-tender but thrives in a pot on a sunny windowsill year-round.

Plant zones

8a–11b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in Illinois

Start indoors

Feb 9

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 6 – Jun 26

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois'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 Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.