Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I got a small bag of stivea seeds from steve a few days back and have finally 'planted' them in the growbed pictured below... they (the seeds) have the entire growbed to themselves ! I covered it in plastic to insulate it and attempt to create a mini hot-house (to fend off the cooler weather in Cairns at the moment), and to keep hungrey insects away from all potential seedlings!... Lets hope that at least a few of the around 100 seeds are healthy and viable, because i will be spreading this plant to anybody who is interested!

It has been one week since the stivia seeds went into their dedicated, climate controlled grow bed and I have evidence of germination!
Actually there was proof of germination 2 days ago, but I wanted to monitor the tiny green shoot to make sure it was not just a rouge weed seedling!
There are now 5 tiny green seedlings pokeing through the gravel in the growbed pictured above - and I live in the hope that there are more germinating as we speak...
I have plans for these babies and a number of staff at work are interested in 'trying it out' with their tea etc... I will definately keep 2 for myself so that I can harvest their seed and grow more as this experiment is looking good so far - lets hope this is how it will continue to go over the comming weeks!

That sounds really promising AM. Top stuff

Congrats AM. How many of the seeds did you plant? From what I've read, I understand its very difficult to get started from seed.

lets see, I would estimate that there would have been between 60 and 100 in the bad Steve sent me.... but then again these seeds had a 'colourful' past, which could have affected their viability

Anyone got any knowledge on how to get Stevia rebaudiana seeds/plants in QLD? I found some plants in NSW, but apparently they're not allowed to send them to QLD......and I can't find any QLD supplier...

I was considering getting some Lippia dulcis (Aztec Sweet Herb) instead, but I would like to get both if possible.

oops AM! shhhhhhm you found the seeds locally

wink wink

hi there Jez (and welcome)
I would be interested in the Lippia dulcis (Aztec Sweet Herb) if you have seed... as for the stivia, if you are willing to be patient and let my seeds grow out to seed baring plants I will gladly send you some

Steve, thanks for getting your 'friend' here in QLD to post me them seeds, so kind of him!

hows the mirical plant coming along ?

Jez - I bought my Stevia at Bunnings. Not doing too well though - I expect it to perk up in spring.

8 tiny green seedlings pokeing through the gravel in their growbed this morning... Still have my fingers crossd thst more will germinate!

Not sure if the restrictions apply to seeds Steve...I reckon you'd be ok mate...

Cheers AM. I don't have seed for the Lippia dulcis as yet...I was probably going to buy a plant, but I can no doubt send you seeds at some time in the future.

In the meantime, I will post a list soon of all the seeds I have which I can send you...I'm moving to the Gulf Savannah country soon but I'm on the Tablelands ATM...which must make you my nearest aquaponics loving neighbour I'd reckon.

I've got lots of different heirloom varieties so I'm happy to pass some on whenever you're ready for them.


Bunnings eh VB? I'll have to do a bit of ringing around then...someone must have it up here in FNQ. Thanks for the tip mate!

AM you legend! Well done. Stevia had the most scary parameters for germination I looked at them and decided no, I am not a scientist.

I had Stevia (rebaudina) seed directly sent from USA without a hitch. Since then it has arrived as an 'ornamental' in local gardening stores.

Jez, you are a legend for being willing to part with all them seeds! Anytime would be good for me - gives me an excuse to add more growbeds to my system (cant have precious seeds just sitting around doing nothing now can we! )

As for germinating the stivia - I just took a chance and made sure I kept them warm... there were 13 little seedlings pokeing out of the gravel this morning! - I am keeping the protective covering over them for as long as I can as an attempt to both keep them warm and keep the hungry insects away from them!