How to Grow Stevia in New Zealand
Natural sweetener whose leaves are far sweeter than sugar with no calories. It grows as a warm-season annual through most of the country and stays going year-round only in the frost-free north. Pinch the tips for bushy growth and harvest leaves before flowering for peak sweetness.
When to plant stevia in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
Best stevia varieties for NZ
- Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) — Natural sweetener herb with leaves many times sweeter than sugar. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow stevia
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow stevia near: Herbs.
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Stevia plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant stevia in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy stevia seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.