Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is the evergreen source of culinary bay leaves. University of Illinois Extension says it is an evergreen shrub or tree in zones 8 and above and very frost-sensitive in colder zones, so it is best grown in a container and moved indoors before frost. Look up your growing zone.
Bay Laurel at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 24 in |
| Row spacing | 24 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Pick leaves as needed; older leaves have the strongest flavor |
| How to start | Move container plants outdoors once frost danger has passed and bring them in before frost. |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant bay laurel
Move container plants outdoors once frost danger has passed and bring them in before frost. Use the frost dates tool to time it.
How to plant bay laurel
- Use a pot with drainage holes and a prepared potting mix that drains well but holds enough moisture for good growth.
- Choose full sun outdoors; indoors give it the brightest spot available.
- Buy an established plant. Illinois Extension notes seeds germinate poorly and slowly and cuttings are difficult to root.
Caring for bay laurel
Water outdoors when the soil begins to dry and keep it on the dry side; overly moist soil invites root rot. Indoors, water as needed without overwatering. The overwatering checker can help.
Outdoors, apply a general-purpose liquid fertilizer about every 2 weeks during the growing season, reduce feeding in winter when growth slows, and resume the regular schedule in spring. Prune occasionally to maintain shape.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Other Mediterranean herbs in pots |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Constantly wet soil |
Bay pairs well with thyme and rosemary in separate containers because all prefer drainage. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Yellowing, wilting, soft roots | Caused by overly moist soil. Let the soil dry and improve drainage. See the yellow leaf identifier. |
| Frost damage | Browned, damaged leaves after cold nights | Very frost-sensitive in cold zones; move indoors before frost. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pick leaves as needed throughout the season. Larger, older leaves have the strongest flavor. Dry them before storing in sealed containers. Bay suits meat, fish, poultry, soups and stews and is an ingredient in bouquet garni.
Plan your bay laurel
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant bay laurels?
Space bay laurels 24 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant bay laurel plants?
Use a pot with drainage holes filled with a well-drained prepared potting mix.
How long do bay laurels take to grow?
Pick leaves as needed throughout the season; older leaves have the strongest flavor.
How much water do bay laurels need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Keep the soil on the dry side; overly moist soil invites root rot.
Can I grow bay laurel from seed?
Illinois Extension says seeds germinate poorly and slowly, so buy an established plant.
Is bay laurel hardy?
It is evergreen in zones 8 and above and very frost-sensitive in colder zones.
Which bay leaves are best?
Larger, older leaves have the strongest flavor.