First, thanks for sending a good photo with your question – it makes things so much easier. Often people send me questions but fail to give me enough information to help them.
We had a bay tree in a pot for many years – it’s now in the ground – and had similar problems with it. So our experience may be helpful. Bay trees are slow growing which is why you most often find them in pots. It’s also why they’re expensive to buy.
Position is important with bay trees. They’re pretty tolerant of shade but they do like some sun. On the other hand, they don’t like being scorched so avoid putting them on the sun trap patio.
They really don’t like cold, windy spots. Our bay hated being by the front door but did really well when we moved it to the sunnier, more-protected other side of the house.
Bay trees are not greedy but they do like something to live on. In spring and summer a light feed of a liquid feed like MiracleGro is beneficial. Make it up at half strength or less. Swapping over occasionally to a tomato feed, again at half strength, will avoid an excess of nitrogen. Apply fortnightly when growing larger and monthly when the tree is big enough.
I can see some yellowing in the leaves in the photo, so it may be short of nitrogen and a feed similar to MiracleGro will fix that. Do not be tempted to over-feed. I tried that and nearly killed out poor bay although it did recover after a few months.
Although a bay tree can stay in the same pot for years, it will benefit from fresh compost each spring. Gently loosen the top inch of compost in the pot being careful of any roots and replace with fresh compost. I like to mix multi-purpose with John Innes No. 3 mixed 50/50 by volume.
In this particular case though, I’d re-pot if possible. Moving it up a pot size with fresh compost around the base and sides will certainly give it a new lease of life. Note the comments below on watering and drainage.
As the tree’s roots fill the pot, it can dry out very quickly in warm weather. Dry compost is always hard to re-wet so frequent watering in hot weather. Little and often is better than a massive soak and then drought. Adding water retaining gel granules to the compost will help.
On the other hand, bay trees don’t like being water logged. When potting up, place broken crocks and gravel in the base to keep the holes in the bottom of the pot from blocking. Putting a circle of porous weed matting over the broken crocks and gravel will stop the compost blocking drainage.
Make sure the pot’s drain holes are not sitting on the ground, blocking them, by putting the pot on pot feet if necessary ‹
Bay plants with their aromatic leaves and versatility in the kitchen, are a popular choice for many gardeners. However proper fertilization is key to keeping your bay plant healthy and thriving. While fertilizing may seem complicated, following some simple dos and don’ts can set your bay plant up for success.
Getting Started with Fertilizing Your Bay Plant
Before you begin fertilizing your bay plant, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Bay Laurel doesn’t need heavy feeding, but precision matters While bay plants are generally not heavy feeders, using the right type and amount of fertilizer at the right time is still important.
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A 10-10-10 NPK ratio is a solid starting point. This balanced ratio provides equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three essential macronutrients plants need
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For containers, consider boosting frequency, not concentration. Potting soil drains faster than garden soil, depleting nutrients quicker. Instead of using a higher concentration fertilizer, fertilize more often with a more dilute mixture.
With these tips in mind, let’s look at the dos and don’ts of fertilizing your bay plant.
The Dos of Fertilizing Bay Plants
Follow these recommendations when fertilizing your bay plant for optimal growth and health:
Use a Balanced, Water-Soluble Fertilizer
Choose a fertilizer with an NPK ratio around 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This evenly supplies nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for root and flower development, and potassium for overall plant health. Look for water-soluble fertilizers, which dissolve readily in water.
Fertilize During the Growing Season
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Bay plants mainly grow during these warmer months and need more nutrients to support new growth.
Apply Early in the Day
Fertilize in the morning before the hottest part of the day. This gives the fertilizer time to work its way into the soil and prevents burn on the leaves. Early application also takes advantage of the plant’s natural growth cycle.
Water Thoroughly After Fertilizing
Water deeply after applying fertilizer to help carry nutrients down to the roots where they are absorbed. This also prevents fertilizer burn on the leaves. Proper watering is key for fertilizer effectiveness.
Spread Fertilizer Evenly
Apply fertilizer evenly around the plant. This ensures all areas of the root zone absorb nutrients. Concentrating fertilizer in one spot can burn roots.
The Don’ts of Fertilizing Bay Plants
Avoid these missteps when fertilizing bay plants:
Don’t Over-fertilize
Use no more than the recommended amount. Over-fertilizing can burn roots, leaves, and stems. Start with half the recommended dose and gradually increase if needed. It’s better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize.
Don’t Fertilize After Late Summer
Stop fertilizing after late summer. This gives the plant time to harden off for colder weather. Fertilizing too late keeps growth active, making it more vulnerable to early frosts.
Don’t Let Fertilizer Sit on Leaves
Rinse any fertilizer off foliage to avoid leaf burn. If not washed off, concentrated fertilizer will burn leaves. Be especially careful not to get dry fertilizer on leaves.
Don’t Mix Fertilizers
Stick to one fertilizer at a time. Combining certain fertilizers can create chemical reactions that burn plants. Always consult labels before mixing.
Don’t Fertilize New Transplants
Wait a few weeks before fertilizing new transplants. This gives them time to overcome transplant shock and establish roots before receiving nutrients.
Troubleshooting Common Fertilizing Issues
If you notice any problems after fertilizing your bay plant, here are some likely causes and solutions:
- Burned leaf tips: Fertilizer burn, flush soil with water to remove excess salts
- Yellow or dropping leaves: Over-fertilization, leach soil and resume normal feeding
- Stunted growth: Under-fertilizing, gradually increase fertilizer amounts
- Few flowers/fruits: Low phosphorus, use bloom-boosting fertilizer
- Poor leaf color: Nutrient deficiency, test soil and adjust fertilizer ratios
Best Practices for Feeding Bay Plants
Follow these tips for optimal bay plant fertilizing:
- Test soil before starting a fertilization program
- Start with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
- Apply early in the day and water thoroughly after
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring through summer
- Use half the recommended dose for new transplants
- Address any issues promptly to get plant back on track
With a little care and feeding knowledge, you can have a vibrant, productive bay plant for seasoning and decor. Follow the dos and don’ts for fertilizing your bay plant, and you’ll be rewarded with robust growth and delicious harvests.
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I had this question arrive about a bay tree that’s not looking well:
First, thanks for sending a good photo with your question – it makes things so much easier. Often people send me questions but fail to give me enough information to help them.
We had a bay tree in a pot for many years – it’s now in the ground – and had similar problems with it. So our experience may be helpful. Bay trees are slow growing which is why you most often find them in pots. It’s also why they’re expensive to buy.
Position is important with bay trees. They’re pretty tolerant of shade but they do like some sun. On the other hand, they don’t like being scorched so avoid putting them on the sun trap patio.
They really don’t like cold, windy spots. Our bay hated being by the front door but did really well when we moved it to the sunnier, more-protected other side of the house.
Bay trees are not greedy but they do like something to live on. In spring and summer a light feed of a liquid feed like MiracleGro is beneficial. Make it up at half strength or less. Swapping over occasionally to a tomato feed, again at half strength, will avoid an excess of nitrogen. Apply fortnightly when growing larger and monthly when the tree is big enough.
I can see some yellowing in the leaves in the photo, so it may be short of nitrogen and a feed similar to MiracleGro will fix that. Do not be tempted to over-feed. I tried that and nearly killed out poor bay although it did recover after a few months.
Although a bay tree can stay in the same pot for years, it will benefit from fresh compost each spring. Gently loosen the top inch of compost in the pot being careful of any roots and replace with fresh compost. I like to mix multi-purpose with John Innes No. 3 mixed 50/50 by volume.
In this particular case though, I’d re-pot if possible. Moving it up a pot size with fresh compost around the base and sides will certainly give it a new lease of life. Note the comments below on watering and drainage.
As the tree’s roots fill the pot, it can dry out very quickly in warm weather. Dry compost is always hard to re-wet so frequent watering in hot weather. Little and often is better than a massive soak and then drought. Adding water retaining gel granules to the compost will help.
On the other hand, bay trees don’t like being water logged. When potting up, place broken crocks and gravel in the base to keep the holes in the bottom of the pot from blocking. Putting a circle of porous weed matting over the broken crocks and gravel will stop the compost blocking drainage.
Make sure the pot’s drain holes are not sitting on the ground, blocking them, by putting the pot on pot feet if necessary ‹
Don’t Feed Plants – Learn to fertilize correctly
FAQ
How often should I feed my bay tree?
What precautions should be taken when using fertilizer?
Is Miracle Grow good for bay trees?
How do you fertilize a bay leaf plant?
How do you fertilize bay laurel?
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Look for one with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K). This balanced approach ensures that the plant gets all the nutrients it needs for overall health. The best time to fertilize Bay Laurel is in the spring as the plant starts actively growing.
How often should you fertilize a bay leaf plant?
While you can harvest the leaves as needed, you should avoid cutting more than a third of the plant’s leaves at a time. You’ll want to give your bay leaf plant a boost by hitting it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks, says Krljanovic.
Do bay leaf plants need a lot of water?
Bay leaf plants are susceptible to this condition in cold, wet soil. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid getting water on the leaves or stems. While bay leaf plants are generally hardy, they may encounter certain issues that can affect their growth and health.
When should I fertilize bay laurel?
The best time to fertilize Bay Laurel is in the spring as the plant starts actively growing. This gives the plant a nutrient boost when it’s putting out new growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.