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Bay laurel · Perennial-herb

Bay Laurel

Perennial · Lauraceae

Bay laurel is the classic patio herb tree, grown for glossy aromatic leaves rather than quick harvest volume. It is slow growing, elegant in containers, and rewarding for cooks who want a long-lived specimen that can provide fresh or dried bay leaves year-round once established.

At a Glance

Sun
6+ hours
full sun to part shade
Spacing
24–36 "
Container
Yes
5+ gallon pot
Height
4–12 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Growing Guide

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 55°F
Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 0.75–1 "
Needs Moderate
Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7
Soil Type Well-drained potting mix or garden soil with good aeration.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Moderate Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

scale
Cause: Indoor overwintered plants can attract scale and sooty residue.
Prevention: Inspect stems often and treat early infestations.
winter-leaf-burn
Cause: Cold dry wind or sudden freezes can scorch tender leaves.
Prevention: Move containers under protection before hard freezes and avoid heat vents indoors.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder
Recommended Recipes Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Harvest mature dark green leaves from established stems; very young pale leaves are less aromatic.

Expected Yield 0.1–0.5 lbs/plant
Storage 7 days — Use fresh leaves briefly or dry them thoroughly for pantry storage.

Sources

seed_catalog The Growers Exchange university Illinois Extension

Bay Laurel Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Bay Laurel vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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