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When to Plant Stevia in Pensacola, Florida (32521)

Location

Pensacola, Florida

ZIP Code

32521

USDA Zone

9a

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, December 12, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Start Stevia seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 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 Pensacola?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, December 12, 2025.

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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 Pensacola, Florida? +

In Pensacola (Zone 9a), start Stevia seeds indoors around Friday, December 12, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Pensacola, Florida? +

The average last spring frost date for Pensacola, Florida (ZIP 32521) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Stevia take to grow? +

Stevia typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Pensacola, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 90 days.

Should I start Stevia indoors or direct sow in Florida? +

Stevia should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Pensacola, that means starting around Friday, December 12, 2025.

Other Plants for Pensacola

Growing Stevia in Zone 9a

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a popular garden vegetable. In Pensacola, Florida, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, December 12, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Stevia seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.