When to plant Stevia in Dougherty County, GA
The best window to plant Stevia in Dougherty County, is March 14–April 4, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 7; first frost November 18.
When to Plant Stevia in Dougherty County, GA
July to-do list for Dougherty County, Georgia
Here's what deserves your attention in Dougherty County, Georgia this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting stevia
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Stevia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Dougherty County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 Dougherty County
How your county's soil matches Stevia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Stevia prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dougherty County is excellent for Stevia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Stevia.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Stevia.
How to Plant Stevia
Succession Planting Stevia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Stevia Water Budget
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dougherty 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 — Dougherty County, GA
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 25 |
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 | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Dougherty County
Growing Tips for Stevia in Dougherty County
Direct sow Stevia outdoors after March 07 in Dougherty County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dougherty County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Stevia. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Dougherty 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Stevia in Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Stevia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
When should I plant Stevia in Dougherty County, GA?
In Dougherty County, GA, plant Stevia after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dougherty County, GA for Stevia?
Dougherty County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Stevia grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Stevia grow in Dougherty County's climate?
Yes — Stevia grows well in Dougherty County's temperate climate. Dougherty County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Dougherty County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dougherty County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.