HomeStevia › Grow in South Dakota

Can You Grow Stevia in South Dakota?

US · USDA Zone 4b · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

South Dakota last frost

mid-April

South Dakota first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Stevias in South Dakota

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 14 – Jul 4

Dates are approximate, based on South Dakota'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 Dakota

South Dakota has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Eastern South Dakota is Zone 4b-5a; western South Dakota is colder. Short growing seasons.

See what grows well in South Dakota →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Stevia in South Dakota?

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

What zone is South Dakota?

South Dakota spans USDA Zone 4b (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).

When do you plant Stevias in South Dakota?

Plant Stevias around mid-April (start indoors Feb 17), harvest Jun 14 – Jul 4.