How to Grow Stevia Plants in Pakistan at Home? (2024)

Introduction:

Stevia plant in Pakistan has become popular in the past few years because it is an organic alternative to white sugar. One leaf of stevia is enough for a cup of tea as it is very sweet. Stevia is also known as sugar leaf. Stevia has many health benefits mainly it helps in managing blood sugar levels. In this article, you will learn how to grow stevia plants in Pakistan at home.

Varieties of Stevia in Pakistan

There are many varieties of stevia but the most cultivated variety is Rebaudiana. This variety is intensely sweet as compared to other varieties because it has a high level of steviol glycosides (compounds in leaves that make them sweet).

How to Grow Stevia Plants in Pakistan at Home

Stevia plants can be successfully grown at home in Pakistan. There are two ways of growing stevia by seeds and purchasing plants from nursery. Growing stevia by seeds is relatively cheaper than buying plants.

How to Grow Stevia from Seeds

The time to sow stevia seeds is from February to late spring. Sow stevia seeds in seed starting mix otherwise you can also use normal garden soil. Fill the pot with soil and press gently then spread seeds over the surface then cover them with soil (about less than half an inch). Water with a shower and place the pot indoor until the seeds start to germinate. Normally stevia seed starts germinating within 7 days.

Once the seedlings have developed enough (5 to 6 inches) transplant those to larger pots or into your garden.

Care of Stevia Plants in Pakistan

• Sunlight:

Stevia plants need full-day sunlight to grow successfully but in summer heat causes burning on leaves. The best way is to grow stevia in large pots you can place them in partial shade in summer.

• Watering:

Stevia plants like to grow in constantly moist soil. Overwatering can cause pests and disease attacks on stevia plants. Water the plants when you feel the upper surface of the soil dry.

• Fertilization:

Stevia needs to be fertilized once a month. It is best to use organic fertilizer compost or decomposed cow manure because the purpose of stevia is to bypass harmful white sugar. Otherwise, you can use balanced fertilizer which has more amount of nitrogen than other nutrients.

• Pruning:

Pruning is very important for stevia plants it makes plants bushier and in shape. Pinch the tip of the stevia plant when it reaches 8 to 10 inches to encourage bushier growth. Stevia leaves do not remain sweet when the plant starts producing flowers so prune the branches or flower buds to encourage fresh growth.

• Pests and diseases:

Pests and diseases that can attack stevia plants are aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control these pest and diseases. Sometimes overwatering can cause fungal attacks on stevia plants.

Propagation of Stevia:

Stevia plant can be easily propagated through the cutting method. Propagation of stevia in Pakistan is done in monsoon. Choose a young and healthy branch of about 5 to 6 inches for planting and make sure the soil remains moist.

Harvesting Stevia Leaves:

Harvesting stevia leaves at the right time is important for its sweetness and flavor. Harvesting of leaves can be done after 90 to 100 days after planting. Don’t harvest leaves when the plant is flowering.

Harvest leaves in the morning and choose healthy leaves for harvesting according to your requirements. After washing leaves you can directly use them in hot drinks. Keep in mind that don’t over-harvest this can cause stress on plants.

Storing Stevia:

After harvesting wash the leaves and let them dry this can take a week or 10 days. Once the leaves are completely dried store them in an airtight jar and you can use them for several months. It is not recommended to freeze the leaves as it can affect their sweetness.

Conclusion:

If you are buying stevia from the market then you might be confused about whether is it organic or not it is better to grow stevia at home and get maximum benefit. By keeping in mind all the requirements from sunlight to pruning stevia grows successfully in Pakistan.