When to plant Stevia in Colbert County, AL
Aim to plant Stevia in Colbert County on or after April 13; the window stays open through May 4. Colbert County's 205-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Stevia in Colbert County, AL
Stevia is a subtropical herb whose leaves contain natural sweeteners 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. It is grown as an annual in most climates.
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 380 feet, Colbert County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Stevia during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Stevia, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Stevia root diseases.
Colbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Stevia
Stevia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Stevia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Colbert County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Stevia Planting Timeline — Colbert County, AL
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Colbert County
Growing Tips for Colbert County
Start seeds indoors under lights or buy transplants. Pinch flowers to encourage leaf production. Harvest leaves before flowering for maximum sweetness. Dry leaves for year-round use.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Stevia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Stevia in Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Stevia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Stevia in Colbert County, AL?
In Colbert County, AL, plant Stevia after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Colbert County, AL for Stevia?
Colbert County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Stevia grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Stevia grow in Colbert County's climate?
Yes — Stevia grows well in Colbert County's temperate climate. Colbert County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 28.
Your Colbert County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colbert County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.