Bay Laurel is a gorgeous evergreen plant producing dense, aromatic shrubs of dark green, wax-coated foliage. Perfect for flavoring soups, stews, braises, and pâtés in Mediterranean cuisine, these leaves are adored for their distinctive flavor and can be used fresh or dry. Read on to discover everything you need to know about growing and caring for Bay Laurel!
Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an aromatic evergreen tree or shrub that originates from the Mediterranean region. It’s widely grown for its flavorful leaves, which are commonly used as a spice in cooking. The bay laurel is also valued for its ornamental qualities and is a beloved addition to many landscapes.
If you want to grow your own bay laurel plants, you should start from seeds. In this comprehensive guide we will walk through everything you need to know about bay laurel plant seeds including optimal germination conditions proper storage methods, and step-by-step sowing instructions.
A Brief Overview of the Bay Laurel Plant
Before we dive into the specifics on seeds, let’s briefly go over some background on the bay laurel plant itself.
Some quick facts:
- Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
- Native to the Mediterranean region
- Evergreen tree or shrub growing up to 10-20 ft tall
- Aromatic, oval-shaped leaves 2-4 inches long
- Small, yellowish flowers bloom in spring
- Can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 8-10
- Often grown in containers for indoor use in colder climates
The bay laurel is slow growing and can live for several decades. It prefers warm weather and thrives in sites with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Regular pruning is required to maintain a compact shape.
The leaves are the most utilized part of the plant for theirdistinct, sweet aroma and robust flavor. Fresh or dried bay leaves are a staple in many savory dishes. The essential oils in the foliage also have medicinal benefits.
Now let’s look at how to harvest and grow bay laurel plants from seeds.
Harvesting Bay Laurel Seeds
Bay laurel seeds form inside small black berries (drupes) that develop on female plants in the fall. To collect seeds:
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Identify female plants with fruits. You will need a male plant nearby for pollination.
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Pick ripe drupes when they turn dark purple or black.
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Remove the fleshy outer coating from each drupe to access the inner seed.
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Rinse off any pulp and allow seeds to dry completely before storage.
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Store seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to plant. Viability lasts about a year.
When collecting seeds from existing plants, target fruits from healthy, robust specimens to ensure vigor in new seedlings.
Optimal Conditions for Germinating Bay Laurel Seeds
Germinating bay laurel seeds takes patience and precision. Here are some key tips:
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Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to rehydrate.
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Bay laurel seeds need warm temperatures of 70-80°F to sprout well.
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Keep seed trays in a sunny spot or use a heat mat for warmth.
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Ensure the growing medium stays moist but not soaked.
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Partial sun is better than full sun during the germination period.
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Plan on a lengthy wait. Germination can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. Don’t give up!
Mimicking the natural conditions of the Mediterranean climate will give the bay seeds the best chance to germinate successfully. Avoid letting the seeds dry out completely or overwatering during this delicate period.
How to Store Bay Laurel Seeds for Later Planting
If you don’t want to sow them right away, properly stored bay laurel seeds will remain viable for up to 1 year. Follow these tips for best results:
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Allow fresh seeds to dry completely after removing fruit pulp.
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Place seeds in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Store in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain cool, dry conditions.
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Check periodically for signs of mold or decay during storage.
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Discard any seeds that are damaged, shriveled, or smell odd.
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Use stored seeds within a year for highest viability.
Proper storage keeps bay laurel seeds fresh until conditions are optimal for germination. Just remember to plant them as soon as possible for best success rather than holding them in storage too long.
Step-By-Step Guide to Sowing Bay Laurel Seeds
Once you have harvested or acquired bay laurel seeds and you are ready to sow, follow these simple steps:
Prepare Containers
Fill small pots or trays with a quality potting mix. Ensure containers have bottom drainage. Sterilize them prior to use to prevent disease.
Plant Seeds
Make indentations in the soil about 1⁄4 inch deep and place 1-2 seeds in each spot. Space the seeds about 2 inches apart.
Cover and Water
Cover seeds lightly with more potting mix. Gently water until the soil is moist but not saturated.
Provide Warmth
Ensure the seeds receive temperatures between 70-80°F. Place in a sunny area or use a heat mat.
Allow Time to Germinate
Germination takes 2-6 weeks typically but can sometimes take several months. Keep soil moist and allow time for seeds to sprout.
Transplant Seedlings
Once sprouted and showing some true leaves, transplant into larger containers or outside into prepared garden beds.
With the proper care, patience, and environment, you can grow bay laurel successfully from seeds. Just be prepared to wait it out!
Troubleshooting Germination Issues
Despite your best efforts, bay laurel seeds can still be stubborn to germinate. Here are some troubleshooting tips if you don’t see any sprouts:
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Ensure temperatures are warm enough. Fluctuating conditions can prevent germination.
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Check moisture levels frequently. Seeds won’t sprout if too wet or too dry.
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Sterilize containers and tools to prevent fungal issues like damping off disease.
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Sow extra seeds to allow for some that may not be viable.
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Try a new, fresh seed batch if none sprout after 6 months.
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Be patient! Even in ideal conditions, germination can be slow.
Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt fails. Inconsistent moisture, disease, and old seeds are common reasons for poor germination. Tweak your methods and try sowing again.
Caring for Bay Laurel Seedlings
Once those tiny seed leaves (cotyledons) emerge, you’ll need to ensure the young seedlings thrive. Here are some care tips:
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Keep soil moist, but not soaked. Allow it to partially dry between waterings.
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Gradually expose to more sun over a week or two (hardening off).
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Transplant into larger containers when roots fill the pots.
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Pinch off any flowers in the first year to promote leaf/root growth.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Bring indoors if temperatures drop below 30°F.
Proper watering, light conditions, and nutrition will give your new seedlings the best start. With attentive early care, you’ll boost their chances of maturing into beautiful, productive bay laurel plants.
Final Thoughts
Growing bay laurel from seeds requires diligence through every step from collecting to germinating to transplanting. But the end result is worth it – you’ll have your very own supply of this versatile herb.
Follow the tips in this guide to successfully harvest, store, and sow your own bay laurel seeds. Mimic natural Mediterranean conditions, allow plenty of time, and don’t neglect seedling care. Before you know it, you’ll have aromatic bay leaves to harvest and enjoy.
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Bay Laurel is a gorgeous evergreen plant producing dense, aromatic shrubs of dark green, wax-coated foliage. Perfect for flavoring soups, stews, braises, and pâtés in Mediterranean cuisine, these leaves are adored for their distinctive flavor and can be used fresh or dry. Read on to discover everything you need to know about growing and caring for Bay Laurel!
- Planting DepthPre-Potted
- Planting Proximity15-20 ft
- Planting SeasonSpring
- Plant BenefitsProvides culinary use and is native to California.
- Water QuantityModerate to Low
- Bloom SeasonN/A; Grown for foliage
- Sunlight QuantityFull to Partial Sun
- Hardiness ZonesZones 8-11
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Plant this plucky evergreen plant outside in zones 8–11 or in patio pots for those in colder climates so it can be overwintered indoors. Bay Laurel trees thrive in areas with well-drained soil and full sun to light shade and will be happy indoors for months at a time. If you live near the beach, no problem! Bay Laurel is moderately tolerant of drought and salt.
Plant your fully rooted Bay Laurel outdoors in the spring while still semi-dormant. These fragrant trees are slow-growers and can also be used as year-round houseplants.
- For outdoor landscape planting, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to light shade. Allow for several feet around the planting space to accommodate the tree’s mature size. Dig a hole and plant your tree at the same soil depth as it was growing in its nursery container. Water to settle the soil around the roots.
- For container planting, choose a location with full sun to light shade outside or bright direct light indoors. Fill a 5-gallon or larger pot with a blend of half potting soil and half cactus mix. Plant your tree at the same depth as it was growing in its nursery container. Water to settle the soil around the roots.
- Water deeply every week once top growth is evident to encourage healthy roots. Allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.
- Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in spring and summer.
- Harvest Bay Laurel leaves any time of the year during active growth.
- Lighten up on the water as the growth slows down and the plant slips into dormancy.
- Bring your potted Bay Laurel plant inside before the first frost to overwinter in areas colder than zone 8.
How to Grow Bay Leaves (Bay Laurel) – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
How to grow laurels from seeds?
Where is the best place to plant a bay laurel?
How long does it take for a bay leaf to grow from seed?
Do bay laurels like sun or shade?
How do you propagate bay laurel?
Bay laurel can be propagated by seed and from stem cuttings. To sow seeds, collect the seed-bearing drupes in fall and remove the fleshy outer case, or pericarp – if left in place, the pericarp can induce dormancy and prevent germination. Only about half of the sown seeds will germinate and fresh seeds sprout better than dried ones.
How to grow bay laurel from seeds?
Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours or more before planting them. Because of the long germination time, you can still end up with rotted seeds. A better way is to try cold stratification: To grow bay laurel from seeds, you must trick them into thinking they’re in their natural environment.
Can bay laurel grow indoors?
Moving Indoors: Before the first frost, move your Bay Laurel plant indoors. Choose a spot that is cool but not too warm (ideally between 40°F and 60°F) and where it can receive plenty of sunlight, such as near a south-facing window. Reducing Water: During winter, the plant’s growth slows down, so it requires less water.
How fast does bay laurel grow?
Bay Laurel is a slow-growing plant, typically adding about 6-12 inches per year. Patience is key when growing this plant, but its longevity and usefulness make it worth the wait. Do I need to fertilize my Bay Laurel?