Stevia, also known as Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf, and Honeyleaf, is a member of the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). This native plant of Paraguay is many times sweeter than sugar with none of refined sugar's unhealthy drawbacks. It has virtually no calories and has been shown to possibly lower blood-sugar levels.
 
It has been used in the Japanese sugar-versions of Wrigley's gums, Beatrice Foods yogurts, and even Diet Coke. It will soon sweeten additional Coca-Cola Co. products.
 
Stevia rebaudiana is of special interest to organic gardeners because of the plant's insect repelling tendencies. The sweetness of the plant provides natural defense mechanisms against aphids and other insects. Even crop-devouring grasshoppers avoid the plants.
 
Here are some tips for growing Stevia:
 
1. Plant transplants outside in garden rows, flower beds or containers after all danger of frost has passed.
 
2. Plant in rich loamy soil to which compost has been added.
 
3. Use a fertilizer with a nitrogen content that is lower than the fertilizer's phosphoric acid or potash content. (Most organic fertilizers work well since they release nitrogen slowly.)
 
4. Mulch with additional compost or small bark pieces up to 3 inches deep and 2 feet in diameter. The plants have shallow feeder roots than need extra protection.
 
5. Plants require 6 to 8 hours of sun.
6. Plants grow to a height of about 30 inches and a width of 18-24 inches.
 
7. Stevia cannot survive a hard freeze; bring container plants inside in extreme weather.
 
Is Stevia safe? This all-natural herbal product has been used by the native Indians of Paraguay for centuries. It has also been tested numerous times and found to be completely non-toxic. However, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Also people taking diabetes or blood pressure drugs should use Stevia with caution.