Bay leaf plants (Laurus nobilis) are a popular herb known for their fragrant leaves that are used to flavor soups, stews, and other dishes. While bay leaf plants can grow quite large when planted in the ground, they can also thrive when grown in containers. Here is a complete guide to caring for bay leaf plants in pots.
Choosing a Container
When selecting a container for your bay leaf plant, opt for one that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. This will provide enough room for root development. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. For outdoor pots, look for weather-resistant materials like terra cotta or plastic. For indoor pots, choose an attractive container that complements your decor.
Bay leaf plants have long taproots, so choose a pot that is deeper rather than wider. This will prevent the roots from becoming crowded or twisted. A container that is too small can restrict growth.
The Right Potting Mix
Use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil. Potting mixes are blended for optimal drainage and typically contain materials like peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and compost. Aim for a mix with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-6.5.
When repotting, cover the drainage holes with pebbles or pieces of broken terracotta pots to prevent the soil from leaking out
Sun and Temperature
Bay laurel thrives in full sun. When grown indoors, situate pots near a bright southern-facing window. Outdoors, choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Bay leaf plants grow best with daytime temperatures between 70-80°F and around 60°F at night. Bring outdoor pots inside if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Watering and Humidity
Bay leaf plants should be kept consistently moist but not soaked. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot to flush out any salt buildup.
Bay trees appreciate humidity. Mist the leaves daily or use a pebble tray filled with water to boost moisture levels around your plant
Fertilizing
Feed container-grown bay leaf plants every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This will provide essential nutrients. Stop fertilizing in fall to encourage dormancy.
Pruning
Prune bay leaf plants in early spring to shape and contain their size. Snip off any dead or damaged growth. To keep your plant compact and full, you can prune off up to one-third of the top growth Always sterilize pruning tools before use
Repotting
Repot bay leaf plants every 2-3 years in the early spring. Choose a pot that is only 2 inches larger than the current container. Carefully remove the plant and loosen any circling roots before placing it in fresh potting mix. Water well after repotting.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Root rot – This fungal disease causes brown, mushy roots. It is often caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings and provide good drainage.
Leaf spots – Small brown spots on leaves can be due to fungal diseases. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Remove damaged leaves promptly.
Mealybugs – These small white cottony insects suck sap. Wipe away with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol or use horticultural oil.
Yellowing leaves – This can indicate overwatering or insufficient light. Allow soil to dry out and provide brighter light conditions.
With the right care, bay laurel makes a wonderful addition to indoor and outdoor container gardens. Its glossy green leaves impart a lovely Mediterranean flavor to dishes when added whole or ground. Follow these tips and your bay leaf plant will thrive happily in its potted home.
Bay Laurel Plant Family
Most of the herbs I recommend growing in your herb garden come from the mint family (sage, rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and summer and winter savory) or the carrot family (dill, parsley, and cilantro). Bay laurel actually comes from the same family as cinnamon, avocado, and camphor. Thats the laurel family.
Although this plant family is fairly small, it provides some of the most beautiful and fragrant herbs. If you cook often, Im sure youll find that at least one out of every ten recipes or so for soups, stews, and baked dishes calls for a bay leaf. Bay leaves provide a deep flavor in dishes that cant be found in other herbs. Its one of a kind.
How To Grow Bay Laurel in Pots – Complete Care Guide
FAQ
Can you grow bay leaves in a container?
Do bay leaf plants like full sun?
How to prune a bay leaf potted plant?
Can you grow bay leaf in a container?
The fact is bay leaf grows very slowly and accepts almost severe pruning. You can snip it down to size by pruning every year. When you grow bay laurel in a container, the tree naturally stays smaller than when its roots are in the soil. To start growing bay leaves in containers, you can plant bay leaf seeds.
Can a bay leaf tree grow in a pot?
It is entirely possible. A bay leaf tree in a pot is attractive, accepts pruning, and stays much smaller than forest trees. For information about growing bay leaves in containers, read on. Bay leaf ( Laurus nobilis ), also called bay laurel or bay tree, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region.
How to grow a bay laurel plant?
Drainage is very important to a bay leaf. Select a container with ample drain holes and use container soil that drains easily. Start with a small pot and repot when necessary. Don’t be in a hurry to transplant your bay laurel in a container. The plants do well when they are a little cramped.
How do you grow a bay leaf plant indoors?
When growing a bay leaf plant indoors, use a well-draining potting mix. You can get away with choosing an all-purpose variety or one especially formulated for edible plants. And if you’re planting outside? Pay extra attention to how quickly your soil dries out between waterings, says Monson.