Bay leaf plants, also known as Laurus nobilis, are a popular choice for outdoor gardens. With their shiny green leaves and aromatic fragrance, bay leaf plants not only look beautiful but also have culinary uses. The leaves are commonly used to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.
In this article, we’ll provide growing tips to help you successfully plant bay leaf outdoors and have a thriving, productive plant.
Choosing the Right Location
When choosing where to plant your bay leaf, select a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Bay leaves need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Select a part of your garden that has well-draining soil. The soil should not become waterlogged after heavy rains. Allow several feet of space around the planting area as bay leaf trees can grow quite large.
For container planting, choose a sunny spot on a patio or deck. Make sure the container you select is large enough to accommodate the tree’s extensive root system.
When to Plant
The best time to plant bay leaf trees is in early spring after the last frost date has passed. This gives the plant time to establish roots before hot summer weather arrives.
If you live in zones 8-10 where bay laurel is hardy, you can also plant in fall. Avoid planting in summer when hot temperatures may stress the new plantings.
Planting Steps
Follow these simple steps when planting your bay leaf tree
- Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
- Partially backfill the hole with native soil and compost or manure to improve drainage.
- Remove the plant from its nursery pot and loosen any circled roots.
- Place into hole so the top of root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Fill around the plant with the amended soil, tamping down lightly to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly until soil is moist but not saturated.
- Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Stake the plant if necessary to provide support in windy areas.
Caring for Your Bay Leaf Tree
Once your bay leaf is in the ground, proper care will ensure it thrives Here are tips for ongoing maintenance
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Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Add mulch to retain moisture.
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Sunlight: Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sun per day.
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Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Prune to shape in early spring.
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Fertilizing: Use a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes.
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Pest control: Inspect regularly for scale insects and treat with horticultural oil. Ensure good air circulation.
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Winter care: Mulch heavily around the base if temperatures drop below 30°F.
Growing Bay Leaf in Containers
If your climate is not suitable for growing bay leaf plants in the ground, you can still enjoy their beauty by planting in containers.
Pick a large pot, at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. Make sure it has drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix formulated for container plants.
Situate your potted bay leaf plant in an area that receives maximum sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist through regular watering. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Before the first frost, move containerized bay leaf plants indoors near a sunny window. Maintain watering and fertilizing through the winter months.
Propagating Bay Leaf Plants
If you wish to make new plants from your existing bay leaf tree, propagating by semi-hardwood cuttings is an easy process. Here’s how to do it:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings from healthy stems in later summer. Remove lower leaves.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to stimulate growth.
- Plant cuttings in pots filled with propagating mix or sand.
- Water to keep moist and place in bright shade.
- New roots should develop in 4-6 weeks. Transplant to larger containers.
Harvesting Bay Leaves
Once your bay leaf plant is established, harvesting fresh leaves to use in recipes is simple:
- Always use clean, sterilized scissors or pruners.
- Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- Take only a few leaves from each stem.
- Avoid overharvesting. Never take more than 30% of leaves at once.
- Harvest before sun gets hot to retain aromatic oils.
- Dry leaves quickly in a warm, dark place before storing.
Enjoying Your Thriving Bay Leaf Trees
With the proper planting location, care, and harvesting technique, it’s easy to grow prolific bay leaf trees. In addition to having fresh bay leaves for cooking, you’ll love the ornamental appeal of these stately trees with their glossy oval leaves and aromatic fragrance. Growing bay leaf plants is a great way to add multifunctional beauty to your outdoor garden.
Growing Bay Laurel in Colder Climates
If you’re not in the kind of climate where avocados grow, keep in mind that you can’t really plant bay laurel outdoors directly in your landscape. That doesnt mean those of you in colder areas with periods of frost and snow (zones 1 through 7), need to be deprived of homegrown bay leaves. Youll just have to pot your plant up (if its growing in a raised bed) and move it indoors during the coldest part of the year.
Indoors, bay laurel won’t necessarily produce lots of new leaves but will continue moderate growth if placed in the sunniest spot you have in your home. Dont worry if your bay laurel plant drops some leaves while its adjusting to being moved indoors.
Grow Your Own Bay Laurel Leaves
Bay laurel is a perennial herb that grows much like a bush or a tree. In warmer climates, this evergreen can be grown in the landscape. I actually planted a couple bay laurel bushes in my front yard in Houston that grew at least a foot taller each year. Not only are the leaves edible, the plant itself is beautiful year round (my neighbors probably had no idea those “ornamental bushes” in my flower beds were giving me delicious leaves to toss into soups and stews).
If cared for properly, this herb can give you years of enjoyment and flavorful leaves.
BAY LAUREL GROWING GUIDE: How to Grow & Propagate Bay Leaf in any Climate
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