$18.75 ($17.75-$18.75 choose a size)
Stevia or the sugar herb is native to Brazil. The fresh or dried leaves can be used as a sugar substitute to sweeten cakes, drinks or desserts and are the only natural sweetener to have zero calories, carbohydrates and a zero glycemic index. The leaves if eaten fresh have a distinct set of flavours, the first sensation on the taste buds is the sweetness, this is followed by a pleasant aniseed like flavour which is lost totally once the herb is dried. Stevia is best grown in a sunny or partly shaded position where it is protected from frost. Thrives in moist, well drained soils enriched with humus. Ideal for pots, herb and kitchen gardens.The flowers will emerge from the ends of the stems throughout summer, and it does die back in winter but the plant is perennial and will bounce back in spring. The foliage is delicate on these young herbs, and our potted plants are known for their older, lower leaves to turn yellow and drop during transport to conserve energy. This is not a problem long term. With care and acclimatisation they will bounce back.