How to Propagate Bay Leaf Plant: Propogation Made Easy

The aromatic bay leaf plant is a delightful addition to any herb garden. With its multitude of uses in the kitchen, it’s always good to have abundant access to fresh bay leaves. Propagating bay leaf plants through cuttings is an easy, economical way to multiply your stock. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to propagating bay laurel so you can establish new plants from existing ones.

When is the Best Time to Propagate?

Bay plants can be propagated throughout the growing season from spring until late summer. However, the ideal time is in early summer when growth is vigorous.

• Spring – March to May works but growth may be slow.
• Early Summer – June to July is the peak season with high success rates.
• Late Summer – August to September has reduced success as growth slows.

Avoid propagating in fall or winter when plants are dormant,

Tools Needed

You don’t need any fancy rooting hormones or equipment. Gather these basic supplies before starting:

• A healthy mature bay leaf plant for cuttings
• Bypass pruners or sharp scissors
• Clear plastic bags or cloches
• Small pots with propagating/cutting mix
• Labels

Sanitize tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease transmission.

Selecting the Cuttings

Choosing appropriate cuttings is key for good results:

• Take cuttings from the current season’s growth, not old wood.
• Opt for side shoots around 6 inches long rather than terminal stems.
• Pick shoots that are healthy, without flowers or buds.
• Avoid thin, weak or diseased stems.

Take multiple cuttings to ensure at least a few root successfully.

How to Take Bay Leaf Cuttings

Follow these steps to correctly take your bay leaf cuttings:

1. Sterilize your pruners or scissors with rubbing alcohol.

2. Select a vigorous young shoot around 6 inches long.

3. Use a clean, sharp cut to detach the shoot just below a leaf node.

4. Repeat to collect multiple fresh cuttings from different parts of the plant.

5. Immediately place cuttings in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

Preparing the Cuttings

Before planting, prepare each cutting as follows:

1. Use a clean cut to trim away the lower leaves from the bottom 2 inches of stem.

2. Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to spur root growth.

3. Fill starter pots with moist propagation/cutting soil mix.

4. Use a pencil to make a 2-inch deep hole in the mix.

5. Place the prepared cutting in the hole. Firm the soil gently around it.

6. Water well after planting to settle the soil and remove air pockets.

Caring for Cuttings

Proper care once planted is vital for the cuttings to take root:

• Place pots in a warm spot (65-75°F) with indirect sunlight.

• Cover pots with plastic bags/cloches to maintain humidity around the cuttings.

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist occasionally if needed.

• Watch for new leaf growth as a sign of rooting in 3-6 weeks.

• Harden off successfully rooted cuttings before transplanting.

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

Here are some common issues and solutions in bay leaf propagation:

Leaves turning yellow/brown: Low humidity. Increase air moisture around cuttings.

Stems rotting: Overwatering. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.

No root growth: Old woody cuttings. Use young green shoots for better results.

Roots not anchoring: Propagation mix too coarse. Use finer media like perlite/vermiculite.

Leggy growth: Insufficient sunlight. Provide at least 4 hours of direct sun.

Transplanting into the Garden

Once the cuttings are well-rooted and putting on new growth, it’s time to move them outdoors:

• Gradually expose young plants to outdoor conditions (a process called hardening off).

• Transplant into garden beds or larger containers, keeping some propagation mix around the roots.

• Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sun and well-draining soil enriched with compost.

• Water transplants thoroughly and provide shade for the first few days.

• Pinch off any flowers or buds the first season so plants establish a good root system.

In no time at all, you’ll have fresh homegrown bay leaves to harvest! With this simple propagation technique, you can multiply your bay leaf stock year after year.