When to plant Stevia in Clovis, CA
Plant Stevia in Clovis, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 9. Continue planting through March 30 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Stevia in Clovis, CA
August to-do list for Fresno County, California
Each item below is timed to Fresno County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Clovis, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 2,276 feet, Fresno County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Stevia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Stevia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Clovis Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Stevia Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clovis
How your county's soil matches Stevia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) is within Stevia's preferred range (6.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fresno County is excellent for Stevia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Stevia.
How to Plant Stevia
Succession Planting Stevia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Stevia Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Stevia
Stevia needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Stevia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fresno County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Stevia Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Stevia Planting Timeline — Clovis, CA
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Fresno County
Growing Tips for Stevia in Clovis
Direct sow Stevia outdoors after March 02 in Fresno County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Fresno County, provide afternoon shade for Stevia and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Stevia in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
When should I plant Stevia in Clovis, CA?
In Clovis, CA, plant Stevia after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clovis, CA for Stevia?
Clovis sits in USDA Zone 9b. Stevia grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Stevia grow in Clovis's climate?
Yes — Stevia grows well in Clovis's temperate climate. Clovis averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 23.
Your Fresno County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fresno County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.