Stevia Varieties: Which One Should You Grow in India?
Quick Answer: Most stevia sold in Indian nurseries is unlabelled cutting-grown stock of unspecified variety, which grows well but may not deliver the highest leaf sweetness or disease resistance. The most important factor separating named varieties for Indian gardeners is stevioside content — the percentage of sweet compounds in the leaf — which directly determines how useful the harvest is. If you can source a named variety, Morita II and SRT-1 are the two most reliably recommended for home gardens.
See also: Stevia rebaudiana plant profile, how to grow it, common problems, its flowering season, and its benefits.
Here is what most people discover only after buying a stevia plant: the word “stevia” on a nursery tag tells you almost nothing. One plant might yield leaves sweet enough to replace sugar in a single leaf; another might need three or four. Both are stevia. The difference is in the variety — and most Indian gardeners never find this out because nurseries rarely label their stock.
Recommended Products
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, PlantsInfo may earn from qualifying purchases.
🌱 Growing Essentials
The following products can help with container gardening, potting, root development, soil management, and healthy plant growth.
Organic Potting Soil Mix
Provides nutrients, structure, and healthy growing conditions for container plants.
Coco Peat Growing Medium
Enhances moisture retention while maintaining excellent root-zone aeration.
Grow Bags for Plants
Improve drainage, root aeration, and vegetable production in limited spaces.
Plastic Pots for Plants
Ideal containers for seedlings, ornamentals, herbs, and balcony gardens.
Quick Variety Selector
| Variety | Type | Plant Size | Best For | Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morita II | Improved open-pollinated | Medium | Home use, containers, high sweetness | Most Indian states; best in Deccan, Karnataka, Maharashtra |
| SRT-1 (MPKV) | Improved open-pollinated | Medium | Home and small commercial; good disease tolerance | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh |
| Magnum | Improved, large-leaf | Large | High yield, commercial or large gardens | Plains regions; not ideal for small containers |
| Landrace / unimproved local | Unimproved | Variable | General kitchen herb use | Any region; performance variable |
Varieties in Detail
Morita II
Morita II is a Japanese-developed stevia selection that is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including India. It produces medium-sized plants, typically reaching 45–60 cm in height, with a dense, well-branched growth habit that suits both garden beds and containers. The variety is often favoured for its consistently sweet leaves and relatively mild aftertaste compared with many unlabelled nursery selections. For home gardeners, this generally means a more reliable harvest for sweetening beverages and culinary uses.
Morita II responds well to regular pinching and repeated leaf harvesting, making it suitable for the harvest-and-regrow cycle commonly practised in Indian home gardens. Like most stevia varieties, it is usually propagated through stem cuttings because seed germination can be variable and seed-grown plants may not remain true to type.
SRT-1 (MPKV Selection)
SRT-1 is a stevia selection associated with agricultural research and cultivation efforts in India, particularly in Maharashtra. It was developed with Indian growing conditions in mind and is commonly promoted for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. The plants are generally compact and well-branched, making them suitable for terrace gardens, balconies, and container growing.
In practical garden conditions, SRT-1 performs similarly to other improved stevia selections, producing a steady supply of sweet leaves when provided with adequate sunlight, drainage, and regular harvesting. Availability may vary by region, but planting material is sometimes offered through agricultural institutions, KVK centres, and specialist plant suppliers. Like most commercial stevia selections, it is typically propagated through cuttings.
Magnum
Magnum is a large-leaf stevia selection often associated with higher biomass production and larger plant size. Mature plants commonly grow taller and more vigorous than compact container-oriented selections, making them better suited to larger pots, raised beds, or ground planting.
Larger leaves can make harvesting and drying more convenient, particularly for gardeners who intend to process large quantities of foliage. Because of its size and growth habit, Magnum is generally a better fit for gardeners with more space than for those growing a single plant on a small balcony. As with other stevia varieties, actual sweetness and productivity depend heavily on growing conditions, harvest timing, and plant health.
Landrace or Unimproved Local Material
A significant proportion of stevia sold in Indian nurseries is unlabelled planting stock propagated from older commercial or home-grown plants. These plants are often sold simply as “Stevia” without any variety information. While their exact genetic background is usually unknown, many grow successfully and produce leaves suitable for everyday use at home.
Performance can vary considerably between individual plants. Some may produce exceptionally sweet leaves, while others may be less productive or less consistent from season to season. For gardeners who simply want to try growing stevia, unlabelled nursery stock is usually an affordable and practical starting point. However, gardeners seeking more predictable growth habits or more consistent leaf quality may prefer to source a named variety when available.
For most home gardens, the difference between a named variety and unlabelled stock is less important than providing the plant with excellent drainage, adequate sunlight, and proper seasonal care. Even the best variety will perform poorly in unsuitable growing conditions, while a healthy, well-managed plant of unknown origin can still produce a rewarding harvest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Morita II vs. SRT-1
For most home gardeners, the practical differences between Morita II and SRT-1 are relatively small. Both are improved stevia selections that produce compact, well-branched plants suitable for containers, raised beds, and small garden spaces. Under good growing conditions, both can provide a dependable supply of sweet leaves throughout the growing season.
The decision often comes down to availability rather than clear performance advantages. Morita II is generally more widely recognised and may be easier to find through specialist plant suppliers and online sellers. SRT-1 is associated with Indian cultivation programmes and may occasionally be available through agricultural institutions and regional plant suppliers.
For most gardeners, either variety is likely to perform well when provided with full sun, free-draining soil, and regular harvesting. Factors such as plant health, growing conditions, and seasonal care usually have a greater influence on leaf production than the choice between these two varieties.
Named Variety vs. Unlabelled Nursery Stock
The reality is that many stevia plants sold in Indian nurseries are unlabelled and grown from cuttings of unknown origin. These plants can still be productive and are often perfectly suitable for home gardeners who simply want to grow stevia for personal use.
Named varieties offer the advantage of greater consistency. Because they originate from selected breeding lines, they tend to have more predictable growth habits and leaf quality than unlabelled stock. Gardeners growing multiple plants or looking for a reliable long-term harvest may appreciate this added consistency.
However, variety alone does not determine success. A healthy, unlabelled stevia plant grown in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight will usually outperform a named variety grown in poor conditions. For beginners, purchasing a healthy plant from a reputable nursery is often more important than securing a specific variety name.
If named varieties are available at a reasonable price, they can be worth considering. If not, good-quality nursery stock remains a practical and effective way to start growing stevia at home.
How to Choose for Your Space
Container or Terrace Garden
Compact stevia selections such as Morita II and SRT-1 are generally well-suited to container growing. A pot approximately 25–30 cm in diameter provides sufficient space for healthy root development while remaining practical for balconies and terrace gardens. Regular pinching and harvesting encourage bushier growth and help maintain a productive plant throughout the growing season.
For most households, one healthy plant can provide a modest supply of leaves for occasional use in tea and other beverages, although actual production depends on growing conditions and harvesting frequency.
Small Ground Plot
Gardeners with a small garden bed can grow several stevia plants together to increase overall production and allow staggered harvesting. Spacing plants approximately 35–40 cm apart provides adequate airflow while giving each plant room to branch and develop fully.
A small group of plants generally offers greater harvesting flexibility than relying on a single specimen and can help maintain a more consistent supply of leaves during the active growing season.
Larger Garden or Backyard
For gardeners with more available space, larger-growing selections such as Magnum may be worth considering. Their vigorous growth and larger foliage can make harvesting more efficient, particularly when a larger quantity of leaves is desired.
Combining different stevia selections can also be practical, allowing gardeners to compare growth habits and determine which performs best under local conditions.
Commercial or Semi-Commercial Growing
Commercial growers should prioritise varieties and planting material recommended by local agricultural institutions, universities, and extension services. Variety performance can vary considerably depending on climate, soil conditions, management practices, and regional growing environments. When possible, obtain planting material from reputable suppliers that provide clear variety information and propagation details.
Regional Suitability
North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh Plains)
Stevia generally performs best during the cooler months from autumn through late winter. In areas that experience frost, plants may require protection during periods of very low temperatures.
Maharashtra and Gujarat
Many stevia selections grow successfully in these regions when provided with adequate irrigation, drainage, and protection from prolonged waterlogging during monsoon periods. Gardeners may find both imported and locally developed selections available through specialist suppliers.
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana
The relatively mild winter conditions and long growing season in many parts of the Deccan region can support good stevia growth. Proper drainage remains important, particularly during the rainy season.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala
High humidity and seasonal rainfall often create greater disease pressure than in drier regions. Good airflow, careful watering practices, and excellent drainage typically have a greater influence on success than the specific variety grown.
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Other Upland Areas
Stevia often performs well in cooler upland climates where summer temperatures remain moderate. The extended cool season can support vigorous vegetative growth and prolonged harvesting opportunities.
Where to Source Stevia Varieties in India
Named stevia varieties may occasionally be available through agricultural universities, extension programmes, specialist nurseries, and plant suppliers that focus on medicinal or commercial crops. Availability varies by region and season, and specific varieties may not always be offered consistently.
When purchasing stevia plants, look for healthy, well-rooted specimens with strong branching and no signs of disease or pest damage. If a supplier advertises a specific variety, it is worth confirming whether the plants are propagated from cuttings or raised from seed, as cutting-grown plants generally provide more consistent characteristics.
Online plant retailers can also be a source of stevia planting material, but the variety information should be reviewed carefully. Listings that clearly identify the variety and propagation method are generally preferable to generic “stevia plant” or “stevia seed” listings with limited supporting information.
Stevia variety can influence growth habit and consistency, but successful cultivation depends far more on providing excellent drainage, adequate sunlight, and appropriate seasonal care. In most home gardens, a healthy plant grown under suitable conditions will outperform a poorly maintained plant regardless of variety.
