When to Plant Stevia in Goliad County, TX
What to do in May
Your garden in Goliad County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Pick stevia
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Goliad County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 283 days.
At an elevation of 3,928 feet, Goliad County receives approximately 62.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Stevia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Stevia root diseases.
Goliad County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.3
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 Goliad County
How your county's soil matches Stevia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.3) overlaps with Stevia's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goliad County is excellent for Stevia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Stevia.
How to Plant Stevia
Succession Planting Stevia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Goliad 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 — Goliad County, TX
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 13 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
283 days in Goliad County
Growing Tips for Stevia in Goliad County
Direct sow Stevia outdoors after February 24 in Goliad 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.
With 63" of annual rainfall in Goliad County, ensure good drainage for Stevia — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Stevia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is December 4.
Your Goliad County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Goliad 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.