Sweetleaf, commonly referred to as stevia (actual pronunciation is Steh-via, named after Spanish botanist, Pedro Esteve), is used to sweeten foods and beverages with no added calories. Originating from South America, this perennial is somewhat of an ugly duckling and is best harvested before it flowers. Pinch the tips of shoots to encourage a more compact plant and dry them for use as a sweetener. Dried leaves are sweeter than the fresh ones, and can be used in teas or ground into powder. Stevia doesn't like to dry out, so water regularly. Another oddity, the sweetness of the leaves is reduced if fertilized with too much nitrogen, so we suggest planting stevia with our dry fertilizer, Root Power, and call it good.