🌿 Bay Laurel: Growing Guide
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −10 to 40 °C (14–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Laurus nobilis |
|---|---|
| Category | Herbs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 200 cm (79 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −10 to 40 °C (14–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 200–1500 cm (79–591 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Mediterranean, hardy.
Growing tips
A Greek tradition! Cooking and wreaths. Topiary balls. Evergreen.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Bay Laurel: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: May–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul.
Bay Laurel: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Mediterranean, hardy.
Bay Laurel: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Bay Laurel: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Bay Laurel: which plants grow well with it?
Rosemary, Thyme.
Bay Laurel: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Bay sucker, Scale.
Plan your garden
Add Bay Laurel to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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