Stevia Seedling

**LAGOS DELIVERY ONLY!**

**Stevia Seedlings Care Guide 

Thank you for choosing our premium Stevia seedlings! Here’s how to care for them.

**Height:** 5-7 inches in a 12 cm Nursery Pot

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**Site Selection:**
- Choose a location that receives **partial to full sunlight**, ideally 5-6 hours of sun per day. In our hot climate, it’s best to provide some afternoon shade.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent diseases, especially in humid conditions.

**Soil Preparation:**
- Stevia thrives in **well-draining, loamy soil**. Sandy or loamy soils enriched with organic matter work well.
- Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
- **pH Range:** Aim for a slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5-7.5) for the best growth.

**Planting:**
- Plant Stevia seedlings when they are 5-7 inches tall.
- Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart in a well-drained bed or containers.
- Ensure the roots are well-covered with soil, and the plant is upright.

**Watering:**
- Water Stevia **deeply but infrequently**. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as Stevia doesn’t like waterlogged conditions.
- In hot, humid climates, watering early in the morning helps prevent fungal diseases.

**Sunlight:**
- Stevia prefers **partial to full sunlight** but can tolerate some light shade in extremely hot conditions. Make sure it gets at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth.

**Fertilizing:**
- Use a **balanced fertilizer** (such as 10-10-10) sparingly, once every 4-6 weeks.
- Alternatively, use an organic fertilizer like compost or well-rotted manure to boost growth naturally.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce the sweetness of the leaves.

**Mulching:**
- Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., straw or shredded leaves) around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Mulching also helps prevent soil splash-back, which can spread diseases.

**Pest and Disease Management:**
- Stevia is relatively pest-resistant but monitor for common pests like aphids or spider mites.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage pests if necessary.
- To prevent fungal issues, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

**Harvesting:**
- Stevia is ready to harvest when the plant is **6-8 inches tall** and has developed several sets of leaves.
- Harvest by trimming the stems in the morning when the leaves are at their sweetest.
- Regular harvesting encourages continued leaf production.

**Extra Care for Container Gardening:**

**Container Selection:**
- Choose a container with **good drainage** that is at least 12 inches deep. This will allow the roots enough space to grow.
- Use a **well-draining potting mix**, ideally one made for herbs or vegetables.

**Planting in Containers:**
- Plant one Stevia seedling per container.
- Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

**Watering (Container):**
- Container-grown Stevia needs **more frequent watering** than in-ground plants. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering.

**Mulching (Container):**
- Apply a light layer of mulch on top of the soil in the container to help retain moisture and keep the root zone cool.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to grow healthy and productive Stevia plants and enjoy fresh, sweet leaves right from your garden!