Can You Grow Stevia in Ohio?
US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a
Stevia is frost-tender but thrives in a pot on a sunny windowsill year-round.
Plant zones
Ohio last frost
Ohio first frost
Days to harvest
When to plant Stevias in Ohio
Start indoors
Transplant
Harvest
Dates are approximate, based on Ohio'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.
Gardening in Ohio
Ohio has a humid continental climate. Northern Ohio near Lake Erie is Zone 6a; inland areas are Zone 5b. Four seasons with a productive 6-month growing window.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Stevia in Ohio?
Stevia is frost-tender but thrives in a pot on a sunny windowsill year-round.
What zone is Ohio?
Ohio spans USDA Zone 5b (5a, 5b, 6a).
When do you plant Stevias in Ohio?
Plant Stevias around early April (start indoors Feb 9), harvest Jun 6 – Jun 26.