When to Plant Stevia in Bend, Oregon (97708)

Location

Bend, Oregon

ZIP Code

97708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Stevia seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 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 Bend?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, February 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

🌱 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 Bend, Oregon? +

In Bend (Zone 6b), start Stevia seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Bend, Oregon? +

The average last spring frost date for Bend, Oregon (ZIP 97708) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Stevia take to grow? +

Stevia typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Bend, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 29, 2026 plus 90 days.

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

Stevia should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Bend, that means starting around Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

📚 More Stevia Planting Guides

🗺️

Stevia in Oregon

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6b Stevia Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Stevia in Zone 6b

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a popular garden vegetable. In Bend, Oregon, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

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