• Perennial Growth in North Florida: Stevia is a perennial herb suitable for growth in North Florida, although it is frost-tender and may die back in freezing temperatures but can return from the roots.
• Lifecycle and Reproduction: Typically, a stevia plant lasts about two years. It might reseed itself, allowing for new plants to begin naturally, although it's not particularly showy despite belonging to the aster family with white flowers.
• Harvest and Usage: Before flowering, stevia leaves can be harvested to sweeten various kitchen recipes, such as drinks, desserts, or fruit salads, thanks to their intense flavor.
• Cultivation Tips: Stevia thrives in full sun and requires occasional watering. It can be planted in the spring or fall in North Florida and might benefit from being grown in a container to protect from frost.
• Leaf Processing Technique: The sweet flavor from stevia leaves can be extracted using a muddling technique, where leaves are crushed to release their sweetness, enhancing beverages or other recipes.

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