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Where to grow: Balcony or terrace gardenSowing season: Spring (the best months are February to March)Mode of sowing: Direct or seedlingGermination temperature: 20-24 °CGermination Time:10 to 15 days from sowingHarvesting time: 60-120 days after sowing seedsPlant vigor: Strong plantStevia Growing Season In India Stevia thrives in warm climates and most gardeners plant it in the spring after the cold climate ends. Sow stevia seeds in the month of February to March; You can grow stevia indoors at any time throughout the season, but the plant should receive adequate sunlight. How To Grow Stevia In Container You can sow stevia seeds directly in large pots or by transplanting method, it grows well in both ways. To sow stevia seeds, select a pot 12-15 inches wide and deep with proper drainage holes. Stevia seeds germinate best at a temperature between 20-24 °C.Stevia Sweet Leaves Seeds Sowing Method Take a pot or grow bag, fill them with soil and add slow-release organic fertilizer (cow manure or vermicompost). Sow stevia seeds about 0.5 inches deep in the soil and at a distance of 3 inches. Water the soil immediately and keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sunny spot as stevia seeds need light to germinate. Stevia seeds germinate in about 10-15 days, they can germinate early or late depending on growing conditions.If you have grown stevia in a seedling tray, you will need to plant them in larger pots when the seedlings are a few inches tall. To give extra space, plant only 2-3 plants in a pot.Fertilizer For Stevia PlantsA regular dose of water-soluble food (such as PROM, PGP, neem cake, and mustard cake) should be given to the stevia plant, this will promote healthy leaf growth.You can also add organic manure or compost to the soil for better plant growth.Do not fertilize the stevia plant excessively, as there is a risk of disease.Stevia Plants Care TipsSoil – Use rich and well-drained soil with a ph of 6.7 to 7.2 for planting stevia.Water – Stevia does not require much water, you should provide 1 inch of water per week, and keep the soil moist. Do not give overhead watering. Sunlight – Stevia plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.Temperature – The ideal stevia growing temperature is 18–35°C. Stevia cannot tolerate temperatures below 7°C. Common pests and diseases – Some pests such as snails and slugs attack stevia plants, and diseases leaf spot and root rot infect the plants. To get rid of the problem it would be right to spray neem oil on the stevia plants.Pruning – To encourage the growth of new branches and leaves and enhance the flavor of stevia, it is very important to cut off dry and infected leaves and branches. If any flowers begin to appear, pinch or cut them off to prevent the plant from losing its flavor.Mulching – Mulching is a good option to protect the stevia plant from the cold climate, for mulching add 2-3 inches of dry leaves, straw, grass, etc. on the soil. You can also keep your stevia pots indoors in winter.Harvesting Of SteviaStevia becomes ready for harvesting within 2-4 months of planting. However, you can harvest the leaves when the stevia plant is large enough to use.You can cut the leaves with a scissor as needed.Regular harvesting will encourage more leaves.Cut off the leaves before the plant flowers because the leaves become less sweet and bitter in taste after the stevia plant flowers.