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When to Plant Stevia in Bedford, Texas (76021)

Location

Bedford, Texas

ZIP Code

76021

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Stevia seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 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 Bedford?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, January 4, 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 Bedford, Texas? +

In Bedford (Zone 8b), start Stevia seeds indoors around Sunday, January 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Bedford, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Bedford, Texas (ZIP 76021) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Stevia take to grow? +

Stevia typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Bedford, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 90 days.

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

Stevia should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Bedford, that means starting around Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Bedford

Growing Stevia in Zone 8b

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a popular garden vegetable. In Bedford, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Stevia seedlings outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.