Understanding Bay Laurel Plant Growth Stages – A Comprehensive Guide

Bay laurel, also known as sweet bay or simply laurel, is an aromatic evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. With its shiny green leaves and pleasant fragrance, bay laurel is a popular landscaping plant and culinary herb.

If your growing bay laurel, it’s helpful to understand the different stages of growth your plant will go through. In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through the full life cycle of a bay laurel tree and what to expect at each stage.

Seedling Stage

It all starts from a seed! Bay laurel seeds are small and oval-shaped. When planted they will germinate in 3-4 weeks under the right conditions. Here’s what to look for once your bay laurel seeds sprout

• First two seed leaves (cotyledons) emerge. Cotyledons are the first leaves produced by a germinating plant. They look different from mature leaves.

• Next 2-4 sets of leaves emerge. These early leaves are spear-shaped with smooth edges.

• Stem is smooth and light green.

• Growth is slow at this stage as the seedling establishes its root system.

• Keep soil moist but not soaked.

Juvenile Stage

The juvenile stage starts once the seedling phase is complete. Here’s what to expect:

• Plant is 6-12 inches tall with woody stem.

• Leaves transition to mature form – elongated oval shape with toothed edges.

• Growth rate increases compared to seedling stage.

• Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily).

• Continue regular watering, allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Start fertilizing every 2-3 months with balanced fertilizer.

• Repot into larger container if roots fill current pot.

Immature Stage

The immature stage is when bay laurel starts to look like a small tree:

• Growth accelerates, adding 12-24 inches annually.

• Forms woody trunk and branches.

• Trunk bark becomes grayish brown.

• Larger, bushier form.

• Can be planted in ground if climate is suitable.

• Prune lightly to encourage shape. Avoid heavy pruning.

• Increase fertilizer to monthly during growing season.

• Water 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to partly dry out between waterings.

At this point, you can start harvesting leaves for culinary use. But flavor and oil content will be lower than mature leaves.

Mature Stage

Your bay laurel reaches maturity after 3-4 years in ideal conditions. Here are the hallmarks of a mature bay laurel plant:

• Reaches maximum height of 40-60 feet. Can grow very slowly once mature.

• Trunk expands to 1-2 feet diameter.

• Bark becomes furrowed and rough.

• Dense, rounded canopy shape.

• Produces small yellowish flowers in spring. Flowers give off strong, sweet aroma.

• Flowers pollinated by bees and develop into black berries. Berries contain one seed each.

• Leaves reach maximum flavor and essential oil content. Best for harvesting.

• Requires less frequent watering. Check soil moisture and water when partly dry.

• Fertilize 2-3 times per year to maintain health.

• Prune selected branches to control shape and growth.

Over-Mature Stage

Bay laurels can live 100+ years with proper care and ideal conditions. As the plant exceeds its typical lifespan, you may observe:

• Very slow growth rate and minimal new leaf flushes.

• Increased susceptibility to disease and pest damage.

• Thinning canopy and leaf loss.

• Dead branches requiring pruning.

• Trunk rot may occur from excess moisture.

• Can eventually decline and die due to old age.

To keep an over-mature bay laurel healthy, be diligent about addressing any disease issues quickly. Prune dead branches immediately. Avoid excessive watering and fertilize just once a year. Overall, reduce stress on the aged plant.

Signs of Trouble

Watch for these common problems at any stage of growth:

• Wilty, curled leaves indicate underwatering. Laurel prefers consistently moist soil.

• Brown leaf edges or margins point to overwatering or poor drainage.

• Yellowing leaves may signal nutrient deficiency. Fertilize more regularly.

• Dropping leaves and bare branches can mean too little water or sunlight.

• White spots or black mold on leaves is likely a fungal disease. Treat with fungicide spray.

• Chewed leaves are the work of leaf-eating insects. Apply appropriate insecticide.

• Failure to grow larger shows a need for more sun and/or nutrients.

Catching issues early makes treatment easier! Observe your plant routinely for any distress signs.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To keep your bay laurel thriving during each life stage, provide:

• Full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is best.

• Well-draining soil – amend heavy soil with compost or perlite.

• Consistent moisture – allow soil to partly dry between waterings.

• Protection from harsh winds, salt spray.

• Temperatures between 60-80°F.

• Humidity above 30%. Mist leaves if air is very dry.

• Good air circulation.

• Fertilizer every 1-3 months during growth periods.

• Prune for shape and growth control.

Meeting these basic care guidelines will ensure your bay laurel reaches its full potential!

Propagating Bay Laurel

Want more bay laurel plants? You can easily propagate new plants from:

• Seeds – Allow berries to ripen on the plant. Remove seeds and plant 1 inch deep in pots.

• Cuttings – Take 6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in soilless potting mix. Keep humid until rooted.

• Air layering – Nick a low branch and wrap moss around the nicked area. Keep moist until roots form, then cut from plant.

• Division – Dig up plant and carefully divide rootball into pieces. Replant divisions.

• Grafting – Join your variety onto disease-resistant rootstock for improved health.

Sample Growth Timeline

To summarize bay laurel’s growth pattern, here is an approximate timeline under good conditions:

• 0-3 months: Germinates and seedling stage

• 3-12 months: Juvenile stage

• 1-3 years: Immature stage

• 3-5 years: Mature stage

• 5+ years: Over-mature stage

But growth rate can vary widely depending on climate, care, and other factors. Be patient with your bay laurel! Slow growth is characteristic of this long-lived plant.