Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)

Vigorous easy to grow plants have incredibly sweet leaves that can be eaten fresh, used to sweeten drinks, desserts and more. Popular in Japan as a sweetener for several decades it has also been used as a traditional medicine. Native to South America Stevia is a tender perrenial plant that is only hardy year round in the southen sections of California and Florida. Best grown as an annual garden plant up north and if planted in a container can be brought indoors and overwintered under a flourescent light. Takes easy from cuttings in the spring, which can be used to plant out a new summer crop. Short lived plants, so best to keep your stock going by taking new cuttings on an annual basis. Hardy zone 10.