Friday, July 20, 2007

Seed Germination in Stevia Rebaudiana

A few days ago I stumbled upon an interesting study regarding germination of Stevia Rebaudiana seeds. Germinating those tinny seeds can really be a hassle(as I experienced) and that's why Stevia propagation is usually done by cuttings.
It is pronounced that Poor seed germination is one of the factors limiting large-scale cultivation, what is of special concern for northern growers who must grow this plant as an annual. This study evaluates the influence of pollination treatments as well as the effect of light and darkness during germination of Stevia seeds, so I can advise it to anyone who's about to germinate some Stevia seeds. Maybe it will help you to get better germination rate than I have had with my Stevia seeds!

Stay Sweet!

8 comments:

Jeff Goettemoeller said...

Hi!
I'm the co-author of the article referred to in this post. I conducted the stevia research several years ago in college. I've found getting good stevia seeds is really key to good germination. I've done more research and now I produce and sell stevia seeds. I've also written books about stevia. Good growing!
Jeff Goettemoeller
www.prairieoakpublishing.com
www.growingstevia.com
www.organicanswers.blogspot.com

Italman said...

Hey,
thanks for stopping by my blog. I have to say that the research you've conducted has helped a lot of Stevia growers around the world. I'm also very glad to hear that you've continued to research and write about Stevia. As you've started producing and selling your Stevia seeds, I hope to be ordering some from you very soon.
Cheers

Jeff Goettemoeller said...

Hi again,
I'm glad to hear my stevia research has been helpful. I wanted to mention that I don't ship seeds outside the U.S.A., but other vendors do carry my books and seeds, and do ship around the world. Here are a couple:
www.seedman.com
www.bountifulgardens.org
My stevia plants are riding out a drought and heat wave here in Missouri. They're holding up fine so far with twice weekly waterings and partial shade.
Peace,
Jeff Goettemoeller
www.prairieoakpublishing.com

Unknown said...

I'd like to see more people offering the plants for sale instead of seed.

klh said...

A wholesale grower provides starter stevia to the retail gardening centers here in Lubbock TX.

Anonymous said...

I planted stevia seeds about 2 months ago. They did germinate ok but after all this time, the plants are barely past the seedling stage. They must grow slower than any other plant.

Anonymous said...

No one needs all that stuff written on planting stevia seed blah blah. Just plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in some potting soil and wait. Nothing else to know.

Anonymous said...

Genesis Seeds
produce and sell certified organic Stevia seeds - 83% germination.
for more details - yosiarad@genesisseeds.co.il