How to Grow Bay Laurel Trees to Harvest Bay Leaves at Home

The bay leaf is a powerfully aromatic leaf used primarily for culinary purposes. Although there are multiple varieties of bay leaves cultivated around the world today, the original bay leaf came from the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) which is native to the Asian side of the Mediterranean.

This form of bay leaf, which is also known as sweet bay and Grecian laurel, is still the herb typically used for infusing soups and sauces with an aromatic flavor. Bay leaves can be used in dried, crushed, and fresh form, but are most commonly sold as dried whole leaves in the spice aisle of any grocery store.

Bay leaves have many uses in cooking. They are a common ingredient in the French “bouquet garni,” a traditional bundle of herbs that are tied together and added to stews, soups, sauces, and casseroles during the cooking process.

Bay leaves are also commonly used in marinades for meat and fish, added to boiling water to cook seafood like crab and shrimp, and used in pickling solutions. In addition to these various savory applications, bay leaves are also occasionally added to the cream mixture for rice pudding, infusing the dessert with a subtle herbal flavor.

Bay laurel trees, or bay leaf trees, are native to humid climates of the Mediterranean region and can be grown year-round in warm temperatures. The bay laurel tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8–10. The best time to plant them is in late spring or early summer when the threat of frost is no longer present. Laurel trees can’t survive in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and if you live in a cold climate, consider planting your tree as a container plant so you can bring it inside during the winter months.

You can plant an already-established bay laurel tree in your backyard if you want to harvest the leaves quickly. You can also plant a bay laurel tree from seeds found at your local garden center. It may take a couple of years for your tree to mature and produce bay leaves for you to use. Here is how to grow a bay leaf plant from a seed.

1. 1. Germinate your laurel tree seed. To grow bay leaf trees from seeds, fill a large tray with soilless seed-starting mix and place your seeds on the surface, keeping them 2 inches apart. Cover them with a little more soilless mix and mist with water from a spray bottle. Leave the tray in a warm area that gets around eight hours of sun a day. It can take anywhere from ten days to six months for your seeds to germinate.
2. 2. Pick a garden spot or container. Pick a spot for your plant that gets partial sun and afternoon shade. If you live in a place that has a USDA hardiness grade of eight to ten, you can leave your bay leaves outside year-round. However, if you live in a climate with temperatures that dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for the winter, consider planting your laurel tree inside a container so you can bring it inside when it gets especially cold. If you want to grow your tree as a potted plant, you may need to repot it as it grows.
3. 3. Prepare your soil. Whether you’re growing your laurel tree from a seed, seedling, or small tree, you want it to have soil that is acidic to alkaline—of a pH of about 4.5 to 8.3—and you want to make sure that it drains well to prevent root rot.
4. 4. Plant your seedlings. Once your seeds have sprouted, you can plant your growing tree in a large pot or in an herb garden. Use potting soil if you’re planting in a container or well-dug soil if you’re planting in a garden. Plant your seedling or tree as deep as it was in your original container. Early spring is the best time to plant your seedlings.

Once you've planted your bay laurel seedlings or trees, you'll need to care for your plant as it matures. Here is an overview of how to care for your laurel tree.

1. 1. Water your tree regularly. Water your plant regularly and allow the soil to dry out fully before watering again. During the warm summer months, you will need to water your tree more regularly. Bay laurel plants in pots may need more watering. Ensure that your soil and pot allow for good drainage by loosening it periodically.
2. 2. Regulate the amount of sun depending on your climate. Bay laurel trees enjoy full sun if planted in cold climates, and partial shade if in hotter zones. Plant your tree in a location that gets full sun and partial shade.
3. 3. Mulch your bay tree. Spread mulch on the topsoil around your bay tree to keep the soil healthy, while keeping any mulch away from the tree's trunk.
4. 4. Fertilize your bay tree monthly. Add organic fertilizer to your bay tree's soil once a month to encourage your bay leaf tree’s growth.

It’s best to wait for your bay leaf tree to mature for about two years before harvesting its leaves. Here is a guide for how to harvest your bay leaves once your tree has matured.

1. 1. Pick your leaves. It's best to wait two years before harvesting any leaves from your bay tree. Once your green leaves have grown to a healthy, large size, harvesting is as easy as picking the leaves off the tree. The best time of day to pick bay leaves is early in the morning because they will retain their aromatic qualities best at this time.
2. 2. Dry your leaves. Lay your bay leaves out on a piece of parchment paper in a warm, dry room. Leave your leaves to dry for two weeks. Once they are dried, you can use them whole or crush them.
3. 3. Store your leaves. You can store fresh leaves in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Dried leaves can be left at room temperature for up to two years before they start to lose their aroma. Alternatively, you can freeze dried bay leaves to ensure that they maintain their flavor for longer.

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