How to grow Bay Laurel?
- Latin Family: Lauraceae
- Latin Genus: Laurus
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Perennial
Bay Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree with highly aromatic leaves cultivated for its widespread use as a culinary spice. The leaves are commonly placed in a Bouquet Garni, which is essentially a little bundle of culinary herbs used for cooking. They are also popular in Bloody Mary's and will enhance the flavor of soups, stews and sauces. The leaves are especially popular in French, Italian, Spanish and Creole cuisine. The plant has several medicinal uses and is known as a good cleanser. Its a [perennial] in zones 8 and up and is often grown in a container in zones 7 and down. It should not be confused with the California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica).
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Bay Laurel History
Bay Laurel has been loved for its culinary value since the Greek and Roman times. It's native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. This plant has been the center of oral and written literature in many civilizations of the world for centuries. Laurel oil is the main ingredient in the world's first solid soap, Aleppo Soap, invented over 1,000 years ago.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 4.5 - 8.3
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.0
Bay Laurel prefers rich soil that is loose and well-drained.
How to care for Bay Laurel?
Bay Laurel needs protection from cold winter winds and is often grown in containers so they can be taken inside during the winter. Prune the plants frequently, shaping them how you desire. This also helps to prevent flowering, which would take energy away from leaf production.
Water
Bay Laurel is fairly drought tolerant but will benefit from moderate water when young and after transplanting. If it's a container you can kill the plant by lack of watering, so water more regularly.
Fertilizer
Bay Laurel isn't a heavy feeder, but will grow larger if provided with more nutrients. However, if allowed to become very large it will feed heavily on your garden's nutrients nearby so many gardeners prefer to keep the plant smaller.
Seeds
Seed Viability:
Plants are diecious and are either male or female. If you want to save seed, you will need one of each. Plants are not self-fertile. Bees pollinate them.
Light
Part shade
Bay Laurel will grow well in partial shade or in full sun.
Conditions:Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Dry leaves by hanging in a well-ventilated location or alternatively leaves can be dried by pressing them between newspaper or paper bags in a book for a couple weeks. Store in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a year.
Storage Req: Drying
Storage Temp: 55-70°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Problems
Bay Laurel Types
- Bay Laurel
Bay Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree with highly aromatic leaves cultivated for its use as a culinary spice. The leaves are commonly placed in a Bouquet Garni which is essentially a little bundle of culinary herbs used for cooking. They are also popular in Bloody Mary's and will enhance the flavor or soups, stews and sauces. The leaves are especially popular in French, Italian, Spanish and Creole cuisine. The plant has several medicinal uses and is known as a good cleanser. Its a [perennial] in zones 8 and up and is often grown in a container in zones 7 and down.
Pests
- Scales
- Aphids
Diseases
- Anthracnose
- Fungal Leaf Spot
- Sooty Mold
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Powdery Mildew
