Growing stevia

Stevia is an unusual herb, and its properties allow the herb to be used as a natural substitute for sugar. To sweeten a cup of tea, just put a couple of stevia leaves in it. You can grow this plant both in the garden and at home.

Planting stevia

The homeland of this plant is countries with a tropical climate. Therefore, when grown on a personal plot for the winter, stevia must be transferred indoors, otherwise it will simply die. Plant the plant in an area protected from drafts. The ideal condition for growing this plant will be a temperature of at least +22 degrees. Do not choose a place in the lowlands for this plant where water will accumulate.

Seeds stevia is sold in flower shops. The beginning of their disembarkation for seedlings is April. The seeds are immediately planted in disposable cups, and after 1.5 months are transferred to a permanent place.

1. Fill each glass with soil.
2. Make small holes in the soil and place 2 stevia seeds in each.
3. Sprinkle the pits with a layer of soil no more than 3 cm thick.
4. Spray the soil with water from a spray bottle and cover the containers with glass or plastic.
5. Place the container with seeds under a UV lamp and do not turn it off, even overnight in the early days.
6. The room where stevia germinates should be at least +25 degrees.
7. After the first shoots appear, and this will happen in two weeks, remove the lid from the container.
8. Three weeks after planting, keep the seedlings under a UV lamp 15 hours a day.
9. After the appearance of strong leaves, thin out the seedlings, removing weak plants.

Much easier grow sweet herb from the cuttings. They are obtained from an adult plant. To do this, cut off the top of the shoot about 10 cm long. The best time for cuttings is May or June. Before planting, remove the lower leaves from the cutting and deepen it into the ground to a length of 6 cm. Cover the cutting with a jar, after sprinkling with water. Repeat spraying several times a day for 10 days. After a month and a half after planting, the stevia should be transferred to open ground or in a larger container if you decide to grow it at home.

Stevia care

Stevia is best placed on the south side of the apartment. So, under the influence of sunlight, a sweet substance will accumulate in the leaves. In summer, the temperature for stevia should be at least +23 degrees. For the period of winter dormancy, the air should be cooler, only +16 degrees is enough. But at the same time, the plant must be reliably protected from drafts.

Water stevia often, but little by little, so that the soil is constantly moist. Top dressing do it twice a month during the summer. Fertilizers used for indoor plants are well suited for this.

Be sure to take care of the formation of the bush. To do this, pinch the tops of the shoots when they reach a length of 25 cm. At home, repot the plant every 2 years, replacing the pot with a container with a large volume.

Stevia use

Stevia leaves can be used as a natural sugar substitute. An extract is prepared from them, used as part of herbal preparations or phyto-tea is prepared.

Fresh leaves are added to any drink for sweetening. The dried leaves are crushed to a powdery state. Stevia leaf powder is several times sweeter than regular sugar. Only 2 large spoons of this powder replaces 1 cup of crystal sugar.

Stevia also has healing properties. For example, by brewing a tablespoon of dry leaves with a glass of boiling water, you can get not only a delicious drink, but also a very healthy one. It can be drunk for obesity and for both types of diabetes and is useful for relieving symptoms of hypertension. This decoction can be used to lighten age spots on the skin or rub into the scalp to get rid of dandruff.

Stevia broth can be added to dishes where sugar is needed. It must first be filtered. And you can store the finished broth in the refrigerator for two days.

You can make a syrup or extract from a decoction of stevia. To prepare the syrup, evaporate the broth over low heat. Continue evaporation until the syrup drop retains its shape. This syrup is very sweet, just a few drops are enough to sweeten a drink or other dish.

Stevia extract is much easier to prepare. To do this, simply pour 20 g of dry stevia leaves with a glass of alcohol and leave to infuse for a day at room temperature. Then strain and use in place of sugar.