Stevia: growing, reproduction, care, application

Stevia is a perennial herbaceous plant that was brought to Russia from South America. This culture is also called honey grass, and this is justified, because the leaves of stevia are used as a natural substitute for sugar. This unremarkable culture is especially appreciated in folk medicine, it can be grown both at home and in the garden.

Stevia. Cultivation and reproduction. Healing properties

The leaves of the plant contain a lot of useful substances. For example, tea, brewed from them, with prolonged use is able to raise and strengthen immunity. In addition, stevia is a natural substitute for sugar (it is 200 times sweeter than saccharin).

The use of the plant for cosmetic purposes also gives a positive effect. Cooked masks and decoctions make the skin more smooth and supple, and also smooth the complexion.

Stevia: cultivation, care, planting

Plant seeds are sown in late January or early February. This applies to the seedlings, which will later be placed in the soil. In the prepared soil it is desirable to make fertilizer, and the seeds themselves should be sown only on the surface of the earth, without sprinkling. Further this place should be closed with a film or glass. When sprouts will appear, care should be taken to ensure that the condensate accumulating on the surface of the shelter does not fill the sprouts that began to form.

Stevia, the cultivation and care of which does not require the creation of any special conditions, is easy enough to take root in our climatic zone. The most important thing is that the landing in the ground should be carried out only after the morning frosts end. Initially, the seedlings can be placed in a greenhouse or a greenhouse.

Young plants are best planted in the evening or in cloudy weather. After this, each of them must be watered abundantly. The place for planting is better to pick up a sunny, but as much as possible protected from the wind, drafts adversely affect the growth of such plants as stevia. Cultivation of this culture in the garden requires compulsory feeding. Usually use a universal mineral fertilizer, which is suitable for vegetable or berry crops.

In the first year after planting, it should not be expected from a plant of intensive growth. For the winter it is dug and stored in the basement. Collect the leaves of the plant produce at the beginning of flowering, cut the stems about 6 cm from the ground.

Growing stevia at home is easy to implement all year round. The only difficulty you can face is the lack of lighting in the winter. In such conditions, the foliage of the plant becomes shallow, and the stems are strongly stretched. This problem can easily be solved by providing additional lighting to the culture. Stevia, which grows in room conditions, should be provided with sufficient irrigation. A pot with it is better to arrange in a warm and bright place. In addition, approximately 4 months after planting, it is necessary to prune the plant to obtain more side shoots and leaflets. Next, the bush is cut once every six months.