When to Plant Stevia in Clatsop County, OR
May in the garden — Clatsop County, Oregon
A quick May briefing for Clatsop County, Oregon gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Time to start stevia inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: stevia
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.
Clatsop County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 412 feet, Clatsop County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Stevia during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Stevia root diseases.
Clatsop County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Clatsop County
How your county's soil matches Stevia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) is more acidic than Stevia prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clatsop County is excellent for Stevia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Stevia will thrive.
How to Plant Stevia
Succession Planting Stevia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 8.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 9.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Clatsop 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 — Clatsop County, OR
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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
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
206 days in Clatsop County
Growing Tips for Stevia in Clatsop County
Direct sow Stevia outdoors after April 12 in Clatsop County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Clatsop County, OR?
Clatsop County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Stevia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clatsop County, OR?
Clatsop County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Clatsop County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clatsop 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.