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Can You Grow Stevia in New Mexico?

US · USDA Zone 7b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a

Grow indoors

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

New Mexico last frost

late February

New Mexico first frost

early December

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in New Mexico

Start indoors

Jan 3

Transplant

Feb 28

Harvest

Apr 29 – May 19

Dates are approximate, based on New Mexico'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 New Mexico

New Mexico has an arid continental climate. Albuquerque is Zone 7a; Santa Fe is Zone 6b; southern desert areas are Zone 8a-9a. Low humidity means dramatic temperature swings.

See what grows well in New Mexico →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Stevia in New Mexico?

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

What zone is New Mexico?

New Mexico spans USDA Zone 7b (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a).

When do you plant Stevias in New Mexico?

Plant Stevias around late February (start indoors Jan 3), harvest Apr 29 – May 19.