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When to Plant Stevia in Madison, New York (13402)

Location

Madison, New York

ZIP Code

13402

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Start Stevia seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Stevia rebaudiana
Days to Maturity 90 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 18"
Type Tender Perennial

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (consistent moisture)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.13" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Stevia in Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 14, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

PepperTomatoBasil

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Stevia

See which plants help Stevia thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest seed heads when brown and dry in fall, just before the first frost.

Processing

Strip dried flower heads, separate chaff, surface sow immediately or store cool and dry.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Stevia germination rates can be low (20–50%). Surface sow and provide light — seeds need light to germinate.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Stevia. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Stevia in Madison, New York? +

In Madison (Zone 5b), start Stevia seeds indoors around Saturday, February 14, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Madison, New York? +

The average last spring frost date for Madison, New York (ZIP 13402) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Stevia take to grow? +

Stevia typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Madison, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 9, 2026 plus 90 days.

Should I start Stevia indoors or direct sow in New York? +

Stevia should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Madison, that means starting around Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Other Plants for Madison

Growing Stevia in Zone 5b

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Stevia seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.