Stevia Plants

स्टिभिया (चिनी झार)

📖 Stevia rebaudiana L.

Verified Agricultural Data (NARC) Vegetables 📅 Falgun (फागुन) – Kartik (कार्तिक) 🌡️ 15–30°C ⚗️ pH 6.5–7.5 ⏱️ 90-110 days

Growing Season & Schedule

🌱

Recommended Growing Window: Falgun (फागुन) – Kartik (कार्तिक)

Well-drained loamy soil with good organic matter

Water Requirements:

Requires consistent but moderate watering.
Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot.

Stevia is best planted in the spring when the soil has warmed up.
Growth is vigorous in warm climates with good sunlight and well-drained soil.
Stevia is a perennial plant in tropical areas but can be grown as an annual in colder climates.
The plant matures in 4–5 months, and leaves can be harvested multiple times during the growing season.
In Nepal, the monsoon season (June to August) provides favorable moisture but requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.

Description & Overview

Stevia is a herbaceous plant native to South America, known for its sweet-tasting leaves. It is a zero-calorie natural sweetener and is 200–300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia grows as a small bush, reaching about 30–90 cm in height. Its leaves are the most valuable part, containing compounds like stevioside and rebaudioside.

Details & Agronomic Insights

🌟 Positive Attributes & Health Benefits

Zero-Calorie Sweetener: Ideal for people managing diabetes or weight.
Blood Sugar Management: Helps in stabilizing blood glucose levels.
Dental Health: Reduces the risk of cavities as it doesn’t feed oral bacteria.
Blood Pressure: May help lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
Antioxidant Properties: Contains compounds that fight oxidative stress.
Gut Health: Promotes healthy gut bacteria, aiding digestion.

⚠️ Precautions & Adverse Notes

Taste Sensitivity: Some people may find the taste slightly bitter.
Overuse Concerns: Overconsumption may lead to mild digestive issues like bloating or nausea.
Seasonal Growth: May struggle in extreme cold or overly wet conditions.

🐛 Major Diseases & Pests

Root Rot: Due to overwatering or poor drainage.
Powdery Mildew: A fungal infection causing white patches on leaves.
Leaf Spot: Bacterial or fungal spots on leaves.
Aphids and Mites: Pest infestations affecting growth.

💊 Disease & Pest Solutions

Ensure proper soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Use organic fungicides to control powdery mildew and leaf spots.
Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids.
Regularly inspect and remove infected leaves or pests manually.

🧪 Fertilizer & Nutrition Recommendations

Use organic compost or well-decomposed cow manure for initial soil preparation.
Apply balanced NPK fertilizer (10:10:10) during active growth stages.
Avoid over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, as it reduces sweetness in leaves.

Planting & Cultivation Guide

🌱 Planting Method Direct Seeding

📏 Seed Depth 2.0 cm

↔️ Seed Spacing 30.0 cm

📐 Row Spacing 60.0 cm

🪱 Soil Type Well-drained fertile loam

💧 Water Requirement Sandy loam

☀️ Sunlight Full Sun (6-8 hours direct)

🧪 NPK Dose 100:60:40 NPK kg/ha

Climate & Altitude Requirements

⛰️ Altitude Range 100–2000 m

🗺️ Suitable Regions Terai, Mid-Hills

🌡️ Temperature Range 15–30°C

⚗️ Optimal pH 6.5–7.5

Harvest Information & Yield

⏱️ Maturity Days 90-110 days

📦 Expected Yield 15 - 25 t/ha

🔍 Harvest Indicators:

Harvest when crop reaches optimal market maturity and full color

Crop Photo Gallery

स्टिभिया (चिनी झार) (Primary Photo)

Seasonal Calendar — रोप्ने पात्रो

Activity / कार्य	Start Month (BS)	End Month (BS)	Region / क्षेत्र	Gregorian Window
🌱 Sowing	असोज (Ashwin)	कार्तिक (Kartik)	All Nepal	September - November
🌾 Harvesting	मंसिर (Mangsir)	माघ (Magh)	All Nepal	November - January

Quick Reference

Verified

🌱 Method Direct Seeding

📅 Season Falgun (फागुन) – Kartik (कार्तिक)

⏱️ Matures 90-110 days

💧 Water Sandy loam

☀️ Sunlight Full Sun (6-8 hours direct)

🪱 Soil Well-drained fertile loam

🗺️ Regions Terai, Mid-Hills

🌡️ Temp 15–30°C

⚗️ pH 6.5–7.5

📏 Depth 2.0 cm

📦 Yield 15 - 25 t/ha

📅 Planting Calendar 🩺 Plant Doctor AI

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