Hey there fellow herb enthusiasts! I’ve been growing herbs for over a decade now and let me tell you – bay leaf plants are absolute game-changers in the kitchen. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about finding and growing these aromatic beauties near you.
Why You Should Grow Your Own Bay Leaf Plant
There’s nothing better than picking fresh bay leaves from your own plant. Here’s why I’m obsessed with growing them:
- Fresh leaves pack way more flavor than those dusty dried ones from the store
- One plant can provide leaves for 5+ years (talk about bang for your buck!)
- They’re pretty low-maintenance once established
- These plants look gorgeous as ornamental trees too
- You’ll save money in the long run
Where to Score Your Bay Leaf Plant
Local Garden Centers & Nurseries
Your best bet is checking out local independent nurseries They usually have knowledgeable staff who can help you pick the perfect plant. Pro tip call ahead to check availability!
Big Box Stores
Places like:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Walmart
Most of the time, these stores have bay laurel plants in the spring and summer. Prices are lower here, but plants may need more care.
Farmer’s Markets
Some of my healthiest plants have been found at farmer’s markets. Talk to the vendors; they can often give you great growing tips that are specific to your area.
Online Options
If you’re struggling to find plants locally, many online nurseries ship nationwide. Just make sure to:
- Order during mild weather
- Check shipping zones
- Read reviews carefully
Growing Your Bay Leaf Plant Like a Pro
Sunlight & Temperature
Bay laurels are kinda picky about their environment:
- Need 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Prefer temps between 70-80°F
- Protect from freezing temps below 30°F
Planting Tips
In Ground:
- Choose a well-draining spot
- Dig hole 3x wider than root ball
- Mix in some compost
- Plant at same depth as container
- Water thoroughly
In Containers:
- Use pot 2x size of root ball
- Ensure lots of drainage holes
- Use quality potting mix
- Keep indoor plants near sunny windows
Water & Feeding Schedule
These plants ain’t too thirsty, but they need consistent moisture:
- Water when top 2 inches feel dry
- Provide 1-2 inches water weekly
- Reduce watering in winter
- Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
Harvesting Your Bay Leaves
Here’s what I’ve learned about harvesting:
- Wait until plant is well-established
- Pick mature, dark green leaves
- Don’t take more than 1/3 of leaves at once
- Harvest year-round as needed
- Morning harvest gives best flavor
Common Growing Challenges
Even experienced gardeners face some issues:
- Yellowing leaves (usually overwatering)
- Slow growth (normal – they’re slow growers!)
- Winter damage (bring containers inside)
- Pest problems (check leaves regularly)
Winter Care Tips
If you’re in zones 7b or colder:
- Move containers indoors before frost
- Reduce watering significantly
- Provide bright indirect light
- Maintain good air circulation
- Resume normal care in spring
Wrapping Up
Growing bay leaf plants ain’t rocket science, but it does need some patience and TLC. Start with a healthy plant from a reliable source, give it proper care, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh bay leaves for years to come!
Remember that every garden is different, so don’t be afraid to try these tips out and make changes based on how your garden grows. Leave a question in the comments, and I’ll be happy to answer it.
Happy growing, y’all!
P.S. – Don’t forget to check your local nursery’s website or give them a call before heading out – availability can be seasonal!
Some varieties you can find at Portland Nursery:
There are only a few varieties of bay available, but they are all evergreen and good for culinary use.
Willow-leaf bay. Long, slender leaves and compact habit.
Golden-leaf bay. New growth is bright gold.
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Laurus nobilis
Common Name: Bay laurel, sweet bay, culinary bay
Origin: Mediterranean region
Culture: Evergreen in zones 8 and up, bay is considered somewhat tender in the Portland area. Outdoors, grow in full sun and very well-drained soil. Amend heavy soils with plenty of compost, and add pumice to increase drainage. Situate the plant in a warm spot, such as near a south-facing wall, and protect from the wind. In-ground planted bay is drought tolerant once established. If your bay tree is in a pot, use a good-quality, fast-draining potting soil. For plants that will be kept inside for the winter, give them as much light as possible and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Maintenance: Bay plants are not heavy feeders, but an application of organic all-purpose or tree/shrub fertilizer in spring and again in midsummer will keep your in-ground plant healthy and happy. For container-planted bay, a regular feeding schedule is essential, although it’s still important not to over-fertilize. It’s best to use a balanced organic fertilizer three times a year, in the spring, summer, and early fall. Re-pot as necessary, when the roots start to come out the bottom of the pot. Pruning can be done to shape the plant as desired.
Pests and Diseases: Bay is generally not bothered by many problems. Powdery mildew is sometimes an issue. Situating the plant in a very sunny location, pruning out crowded branches to promote air circulation, and letting soil dry between waterings usually takes care of any mildew. Some moths lay their eggs between leaves outside every once in a while, and the larvae can chew holes in plants, but most of the time, outbreaks aren’t bad enough to really hurt the plant. Look for two bay leaves that are stuck together with something cottony. Peel them apart and kill any caterpillars you find. Indoor plants may be affected by scale. Watch for waxy spots on stems and leaves, and remove with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Propagation: Bay can be propagated by digging up rooted suckers that occur either naturally or from layering. Propagation by stem cuttings is also possible, but they may take a very long time to root. Starting from seed is tricky, as bay seeds can take months to germinate under specific conditions. Bay plants are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, and each are needed to produce fruit and seed. Bay trees can take decades to become mature enough to flower. Purchasing potted bay from the Nursery is by far the easiest and most reliable source of plants!
BAY LAUREL TREE Growth, Growing and Care Tips! (Laurus nobilis)
FAQ
Does bay leaf come back every year?
Bay laurel, or Laurus nobilis, is what is known as “true bay. ” This perennial, evergreen herb is in the Lauraceae plant family which also includes cinnamon and sassafras.
Can you grow bay leaves in the US?
Grow Your Own Bay Laurel Leaves Bay laurel is a perennial herb that grows much like a bush or a tree. In warmer climates, this evergreen can be grown in the landscape. I actually planted a couple bay laurel bushes in my front yard in Houston that grew at least a foot taller each year.
Where is the best place to plant a bay leaf tree?
Bay trees grow extremely well if they are positioned in a sunny or partially shaded area. Even though they like some sun, they do not like being scorched so avoid putting them in sun trap areas. On the other hand, they really don’t like being too cold so avoid windy spots as they prefer more protected areas.
Is a bay leaf plant a perennial or annual?
About Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis is a half-hardy perennial that grows into a sizable tree in its native Mediterranean climate (up to 60 feet tall!), but it’s only hardy in USDA Zones 8 and up.
Can You Grow your own bay leaves?
Grow your own bay leaves! We offer Mediterranean bay laurel plants, with excellent leaves for cooking. Oregon bay laurel (Oregon myrtle, California bay) is a tree native to Oregon and California with aromatic leaves as well as edible fruits and nuts. Both are evergreen plants with beautiful flowers.
Are bay laurel trees evergreen?
p dir=ltr>Bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) is an evergreen tree is an attractive tree of variable size, most often 20 to 45 feet. It is slow to establish, then grows fast. The leaves give off a peppery aroma and are often used as a cooking spice. They sometimes turn a spectacular golden color during the autumn in northern California.
Why are bay leaf trees important?
We are proud to offer bay leaf tree plants for sale. Bays have also been very important medicinally and culturally throughout time. Bay leaf crowns were worn by athletes, scholars, politicians, and people from the upper class in Greek and Roman times. They were a sign of wealth and victory.
Are bay laurel plants edible?
We offer Mediterranean bay laurel plants, with excellent leaves for cooking. Oregon bay laurel, also known as Oregon myrtle and California bay, is a tree that grows naturally in Oregon and California. Its leaves smell nice, and its fruits and nuts can be eaten. Both are evergreen plants with beautiful flowers. Ideal for herb gardens, ornamental landscaping, and permaculture design.
What trees grow well with California bay laurel?
The California Bay Laurel grows well in a wide range of ecologies, including Redwood forests, mixed evergreen forests, pine forests, and oak savannas. If you put them under the Oregon White Oak, the California Black Oak, and the California Foothill Pine, they will do well.
What are the different types of bay laurel?
We have offered two types of Bay Laurel. One that is native to the Mediterranean and is classically known for its aromatic leaves and can be used in cooking. The other is Oregon Bay Laurel, a native tree to Oregon and California, sometimes also called Oregon Myrtle or California Bay.