When to Plant Stevia in Reagan County, TX
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.
Reagan County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 3,983 feet, Reagan County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Stevia root diseases.
Reagan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.7-8.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Stevia
Stevia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Stevia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 10.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Reagan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Stevia Planting Timeline — Reagan County, TX
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Reagan County
Growing Tips for Reagan County
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 Reagan County, TX?
Reagan County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Stevia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Reagan County, TX?
Reagan County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Reagan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Reagan County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.