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Can You Grow Stevia in North Carolina?

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

Grow indoors

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

North Carolina last frost

late February

North Carolina first frost

early December

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in North Carolina

Start indoors

Jan 3

Transplant

Feb 28

Harvest

Apr 29 – May 19

Dates are approximate, based on North Carolina'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 North Carolina

North Carolina spans the mountains (Zone 5b-6a), Piedmont (Zone 7a-7b), and coastal plain (Zone 8a). Long warm seasons support tobacco, sweet potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.