When to Plant Stevia in USDA Zone 9b
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.
In Zone 9b, the average last spring frost is around January 25 and the first fall frost is around December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
Stevia Planting Timeline — Zone 9b
Where Is USDA Zone 9b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 9b. Click any state to see the Stevia planting schedule for that location.
Stevia Planting Calendar — Zone 9b
| 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 |
Free Zone 9b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 9b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
25°F to 30°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
329 days (Zone 9b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Stevia in Zone 9b
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Stevia in Zone 9b
Zone 9b offers a long growing season (~329 days). You can plant Stevia earlier and may get multiple harvests.
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
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Stevia Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Related Plants
Stevia in Other Zones
Stevia by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Stevia in Zone 9b?
In Zone 9b, plan your Stevia planting around the average last frost date of January 25. Start seeds indoors around December 14. Direct sow outdoors around February 1. Transplant seedlings around February 1.
Can Stevia grow in Zone 9b?
Yes, Stevia can grow well in Zone 9b, hardy in USDA zones 8a through 11b. Zone 9b has a growing season of approximately 329 days, which is sufficient for Stevia (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Stevia in Zone 9b?
In Zone 9b, expect to harvest Stevia from April 5 – June 14. Stevia takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 9b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 9b is around January 25, and the first fall frost is around December 20. This gives a growing season of approximately 329 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Stevia?
Good companion plants for Stevia include Basil, Tomatoes. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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