When to plant Stevia in Okeechobee, FL
In Zone 10a (Okeechobee), direct-sow Stevia between February 1 and February 22 for spring, after the January 25 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Stevia in Okeechobee, FL
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.
Okeechobee, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 139 feet, Okeechobee County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Stevia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Stevia will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Okeechobee Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Stevia Planting Timeline — Okeechobee, FL
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 14 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 22 |
| Harvest | April 5 | Apr 5 – Jun 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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 10a
📆 Growing Season
329 days in Okeechobee County
Growing Tips for Okeechobee
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 Okeechobee, FL?
In Okeechobee, FL, plant Stevia after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Okeechobee, FL for Stevia?
Okeechobee sits in USDA Zone 10a. Stevia grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Stevia grow in Okeechobee's climate?
Yes — Stevia grows well in Okeechobee's temperate climate. Okeechobee averages a 330-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 20.
Your Okeechobee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Okeechobee County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.