diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/axes/_axes.py b/lib/matplotlib/axes/_axes.py
index c4967025e136..3135be8798f2 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/axes/_axes.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/axes/_axes.py
@@ -3194,6 +3194,8 @@ def stem(self, *args, linefmt=None, markerfmt=None, basefmt=None, bottom=0,
         baseline, = self.plot(baseline_x, baseline_y,
                               color=basecolor, linestyle=basestyle,
                               marker=basemarker, label="_nolegend_")
+        baseline.get_path()._interpolation_steps = \
+            mpl.axis.GRIDLINE_INTERPOLATION_STEPS
 
         stem_container = StemContainer((markerline, stemlines, baseline),
                                        label=label)
diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_axes.py b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_axes.py
index 237a0a044253..97abc750b9ef 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_axes.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_axes.py
@@ -4617,6 +4617,17 @@ def test_stem_orientation():
             orientation='horizontal')
 
 
+def test_stem_polar_baseline():
+    """Test that the baseline is interpolated so that it will follow the radius."""
+    fig = plt.figure()
+    ax = fig.add_subplot(projection='polar')
+    x = np.linspace(1.57, 3.14, 10)
+    y = np.linspace(0, 1, 10)
+    bottom = 0.5
+    container = ax.stem(x, y, bottom=bottom)
+    assert container.baseline.get_path()._interpolation_steps > 100
+
+
 @image_comparison(['hist_stacked_stepfilled_alpha'])
 def test_hist_stacked_stepfilled_alpha():
     # make some data