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Bulk Stevia Seeds - Sweetie Star: A Premium Sweetener for Your Garden
Bulk Stevia Seeds – Sweetie Star is a high-quality variety of Stevia, prized for its superior sweetness and ease of growth. This herb is perfect for gardeners looking to grow their own natural, calorie-free sweetener. Sweetie Star Stevia produces lush, green leaves that are packed with sweet compounds, ideal for those seeking an organic alternative to sugar. Known for its adaptability and resilience, Sweetie Star thrives in various climates, offering a sustainable and healthy choice for home gardens.
Key Benefits
- Natural Sweetener: Sweetie Star Stevia offers an all-natural, calorie-free alternative to sugar, making it ideal for those watching their sugar intake.
- High Sweetness: Known for its superior sweetness, this variety has a higher concentration of steviol glycosides, the compounds responsible for its sweetness.
- Easy to Grow: Thrives in both garden beds and containers, making it suitable for various garden spaces.
- Versatile Culinary Use: Use fresh leaves to sweeten beverages or dry and crush them for homemade stevia powder.
- Sustainable and Organic: Grown from non-GMO seeds, Sweetie Star Stevia is an eco-friendly, organic choice for gardeners.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Upright, bushy plants with broad, green leaves that are sweet when chewed.
- Flavor Profile: Extremely sweet, with no bitter aftertaste, making it perfect for those who enjoy a sugar-free option.
- Growth Habit: A compact and hardy herb that grows well in both warm and temperate climates.
- Size: Plants reach 18–24 inches tall, with leaves that can be harvested as they mature.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start in the spring after the last frost, as Stevia is a warm-season herb that thrives in temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep into the soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for ample growth.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.7–7.2.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun to grow best, although it can tolerate partial shade.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the hot months, but avoid waterlogging. Provide about 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilization
- Stevia benefits from a balanced organic fertilizer. Apply once at planting and again mid-growing season for optimal growth.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weeds.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Stevia is relatively pest-resistant but may attract aphids. Use organic insecticidal soap if needed.
- Diseases: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risk.
Harvesting
Time to Maturity
- Sweetie Star Stevia is ready to harvest in approximately 3–4 months, depending on growing conditions.
Harvesting Method
- Harvest leaves when the plant reaches maturity. For the sweetest taste, pick leaves just before the plant flowers. You can either harvest leaves individually or cut the entire plant at the base to encourage regrowth.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh Stevia leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Long-Term: Dry leaves by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once dried, crush the leaves to make your own stevia powder, which can be stored in an airtight container for several months.
Culinary Uses
- Sweetening Beverages: Use fresh or dried Stevia leaves to sweeten tea, coffee, or homemade juices without adding sugar.
- Baking: Sweetie Star Stevia can be used in baking recipes as a natural sugar substitute. Just be mindful that it's much sweeter than sugar, so less is needed.
- Smoothies: Add Stevia to smoothies for a natural, sugar-free sweetener.
- Desserts: Use dried, powdered Stevia as a sugar replacement in your favorite dessert recipes.
Conclusion
Bulk Stevia Seeds – Sweetie Star is a must-have for gardeners seeking a natural, sustainable sweetener. Its high sweetness and ease of growth make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you're looking to cut down on sugar or grow your own herbal sweetener, Sweetie Star Stevia is a fantastic addition to your garden. Grow it yourself and enjoy a healthier, eco-friendly alternative to sugar.