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Can You Grow Stevia in New York?

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

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

New York last frost

early April

New York first frost

late October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in New York

Start indoors

Feb 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

May 31 – Jun 20

Dates are approximate, based on New York'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 York

New York ranges from Zone 6b in New York City to Zone 4a in the Adirondacks. Western New York near Lake Erie has a unique microclimate excellent for Concord grapes.

See what grows well in New York →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Stevia in New York?

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

What zone is New York?

New York spans USDA Zone 6a (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b).

When do you plant Stevias in New York?

Plant Stevias around early April (start indoors Feb 3), harvest May 31 – Jun 20.