i haven't had any problem with stevia not germinating... temperature would be the main limiting factor i would think (or bunk seed)... i have also had it perform equally well outdoors as in...and had no problems transplanting it either...

i treat it like almost all my other seed- sow in plug flat about 1/4 inch deep, cover, put on heat mat at 75-80 degrees...transplant when of sufficient size.

the johnny's catalog (tremendous seed starting resource) doesn't say anything about surface sowing so that could be your problem... where did you get the idea it prefers to be surface sown?

biscgolf: I think from this same type of thread that I posted last year...lol. Thanks for the hints. I think temperature may be what killed them all last year. I got my Stevia seed from Baker Creek this time too, so I'm keeping high hoped for it! =)

The package actually says to surface sow. I kind of believe it too (and now remember why they were so hard to grow from seed last year). They are extremely tiny seedlings when they germinate! I remember last year that it was only watering them that killed them because of their small size (water making them tip over/break or whatever). I have 2 out of 10 seeds in 2 somewhat large pots that have come up so far. Wish me luck! =) I'm going to be very careful when watering them now so I do not damage the wee seedlings.

I once read that the rule of thumb is that you plant the seed as deep as the seed size is. Rule of thumbs aren't always right but for very teeny tiny seeds, I'd probably surface sow.

Good luck with the seedlings!

FataMorgana

I'm hoping to find some stevia plants (not ready to attempt to plant from seed), but know very little about growing stevia, except what I've read on this site. While I've learned a lot, I have two basic questions.

When do you plant stevia? When are the plants available in stores/nurseries?

Many thanks!

Last couple of years most nurseries(HD, Lowes...) carried Stevia seedling. Now mines are going to be 3 years old this year. I tried to grow my own last year(from my own seeds). They germinated but somehow did not grow as fast and as big as the one I purchased from HD. I will try AGAIN. There must be some tricks to it. SURFACE SOWING? I dont know what it means. You need to cover any seed according to their size. Otherwise the surface will dry up in no time and you have to stand by with a bottle sprayer in your hand..lol

JenPeteFL- i would plant the same time as basil- the two are both equally cold-sensitive... you are probably fine already in your location...

Thanks seysonn and biscgolf. Any idea what time of year / months HD / Lowe's might sell the seedlings? I looked today at HD, lots of basil, some mint, and other stuff, no stevia.

Update...My Stevia seedlings are doing well! So far, 7 out of the 9 seeds I put in the two pots have germinated. 6 of the 7 look sturdy too, even for tiny seedlings. I'll post a pic of them on this thread within the next few days. The surface sowing seems to be the way to go. Last year when I didn't have many germinate at all, I put them about 1/2 inch deep into the potting mix. They obviously got pushed down into the potting mix a bit this year with the first few waterings (warm to hot water from a sink sprayer thing), so i'm sure if you put them on the surface then heavily water the first 2-3 times/days, they will germinate fine. It seems to be the right thing to do also to keep the seedlings above 70 degrees. I put the two 1 gallon pots I have them in on top of a normal heeting mat. The room stays about 70 or so with high humidity (so other seedlings don't get too hot). Now, we have to see if I can keep them alive & also how fast n well they grow into bigger seedlings. :)

- Steve

jen- if i were you i would try local farmers markets or smaller growers than the big box stores if HD doesn't have it

tn- congrats!

Thanks biscgolf, I'm hoping to make a trip to the nursery this weekend.

Jen, Box Stores Will have Stevia along with things like
peppers, tomatoes, tomatilloes...some time after your last frost date in your area.
As mentioned, Stevia is similar to basils in cold sensavity. So there is no need to rush into it untill your steady night temps climb to high 40s and low 50s.