Stevia Cultivation Methods and Precautions
As a representative of natural sugar substitute plants, stevia has become a new favorite for home gardening in recent years. Its leaves are rich in stevioside, which can be used both as an ornamental green plant and to make healthy tea drinks. However, to ensure this "sweet factory" continues to produce high yields, it is necessary to master scientific maintenance methods.
Key Points for Stevia Environmental Adaptation
Optimal Temperature, Light, Water, and Fertilizer Combination
Controlling the temperature between 20-28℃ is best for sugar accumulation, and measures such as covering with film are needed when temperatures drop below -5℃ in winter. Ensure 3 hours of scattered light daily, and protect from strong noon sunlight. Water using the "dry-wet" method, maintaining soil moisture at 60% for the best sweetness.
Staged Fertilization Plan
Use diluted nitrogen fertilizer (1000 times) during the seedling stage to promote growth, and add phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the budding stage to enhance sweetness. Stop fertilizing 20 days before harvest. It is recommended to use a mixture of decomposed sheep manure and bone meal as a base fertilizer, and supplement with microbial agents every quarter to improve soil quality.
Advanced Stevia Cultivation Techniques
Timing of Transplanting
When seedlings have grown 6 true leaves, transplant them with soil during consecutive cloudy days. In the North China region, it is recommended to do this in mid-May, while in the South, it can be moved up to late April. After transplanting, set up a shade棚 for 7 days to help the seedlings adapt, maintaining air humidity above 70%.
Seed Treatment Tips
Soak seeds in warm water at 35℃ for 12 hours before sowing, and mix with fine sand at a ratio of 1:3 and store in the refrigerator for 7 days to break dormancy. Using seed trays for sowing can improve germination rates, with a strictly controlled covering thickness of 0.3cm and maintaining a constant temperature of 25℃ in the seedbed.
Common Issues and Solutions for Stevia Cultivation
Stevia Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Biological Pest Control
Hang yellow sticky insect boards during the peak period of bridge-building insects, and spray sophora alkaloid solution weekly. When aphids attack, wash the back of the leaves with diluted milk water, and use ladybugs for biological control. Regularly prune dense branches to maintain ventilation and light.
Disease Prevention System
Apply Bordeaux mixture before the rainy season to prevent leaf spot disease, and use garlic extract solution instead of chemical agents at the initial stage of the disease. In areas with a high incidence of root rot, it is recommended to use high ridge cultivation, and apply Trichoderma to the roots monthly to enhance disease resistance.
Stevia's Diverse Application Scenarios
Choose dwarf varieties for indoor potted plants, and place them near east-facing windows for the best results. Harvest leaves on sunny mornings, using the steam fixation method to preserve sweet components. Fresh leaves can be mixed into salads, and dried leaves can be combined with mint to make hypoglycemic tea drinks.
Through systematic maintenance and management, stevia can achieve multiple harvests throughout the year. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record growth cycles and climatic data. Combining hydroponic techniques can achieve vertical planting on balconies, allowing this natural sweetener to continuously add to a healthy lifestyle.