Herb growing guide
Bay laurel
Laurus nobilis
Sun
Sun to part shade
Season
Warm
Maturity
Slow growing
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.5
Spacing
Container or 6+ ft
Planting bay laurel
Start with a nursery plant; seed and cuttings root so slowly they are impractical for most gardeners. Pot it in free-draining soil in a container you can move.
Planting details
- In the ground it becomes a tree; containers keep it small
- Bring containers indoors before hard frost
- A south window or bright cool room overwinters it well
Growing requirements
Bay laurel wants sun to part shade and sharply drained soil. It tolerates drought once established but dislikes wet roots more than almost anything.
Harvesting and care
Pick leaves any time of year; dry fresh-picked leaves for a few days to mellow their bitterness. Prune in spring to shape, and repot every few years when roots fill the container.
Common mistakes
- Soggy soil, which causes root rot faster than cold does
- Leaving it out in a hard freeze in cold climates
- Starting from seed, which takes months to germinate and years to size
Companion plants
Grow it in a pot near the kitchen door alongside lemon verbena and rosemary, which share its drainage and overwintering needs.