• Cut stems of, Stevia - Sugar Plant, just as the flowers begin to show.  (This is when the plant is at its sweetest.)
• To dry:- tie stems and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, dark place.
• When the leaves can be crumbled between your palms, the herb is dry.
• Remove dried leaves from stems.
• Place them in containers with good fitting lids or in zip-lock bags.
• Store away from heat and light.
• Fresh or dried Stevia can be used to sweeten applesauce, smoothies, nut butters, bread puddings, custards and fruit pies.

I am constantly removing leaves from my Stevia plant, to 'bruise' them for sweetening hot and cold beverages and I do that before the plant produces flowers.  Therefore, it is possible to remove Stevia leaves or tips of the stem, at any time; but the plant is at its sweetest, when flowers are showing.