How to Grow Bay Laurel

A year-round herb for the home garden across the warmer US.

Bay Laurel is a rewarding year-round crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

In frost-free regions bay laurel can be grown almost year-round. Elsewhere, plant in the milder months on either side of summer. See your region on the bay laurel page for exact timing.

Varieties

Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis, true culinary bay (garden centers)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 200 cm (79 in) between plants.
Sowing: sow about 10 cm deep.
Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 4 days in hot weather.
Containers: grows well in a pot of 30cm+ (grows into a tree).

Pests & problems

Watch for Scale and Psyllid. In humid regions, Root rot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Bay Laurel is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant bay laurel where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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