When to Plant Stevia in Des Moines, Iowa (50321)

Location

Des Moines, Iowa

ZIP Code

50321

USDA Zone

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.

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🌿 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 Des Moines?

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

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Des Moines, Iowa? +

In Des Moines (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 Des Moines, Iowa? +

The average last spring frost date for Des Moines, Iowa (ZIP 50321) 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 Des Moines, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 9, 2026 plus 90 days.

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

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

📚 More Stevia Planting Guides

🗺️

Stevia in Iowa

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Stevia Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Stevia in Zone 5b

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a popular garden vegetable. In Des Moines, Iowa, 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.