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Can You Grow Stevia in South Carolina?

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

Grows well here

Stevia grows as a perennial in your zone — harvest leaves all season for a natural sweetener.

Plant zones

8a–11b

South Carolina last frost

mid-February

South Carolina first frost

early December

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in South Carolina

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Apr 16 – May 6

Dates are approximate, based on South 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 South Carolina

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. The Upstate is Zone 7a-7b; the coast is Zone 8a-8b. Two growing seasons are standard.