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Can You Grow Stevia in Pennsylvania?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 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

Pennsylvania last frost

early April

Pennsylvania first frost

late October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in Pennsylvania

Start indoors

Feb 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

May 31 – Jun 20

Dates are approximate, based on Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate. Philadelphia is Zone 7a; Pittsburgh is Zone 6a; northern Pennsylvania is Zone 5a-5b. Four distinct seasons with a 6-7 month growing window.