Bay Growing Guide

Laurus nobilis

Bay

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well drained soil, or high quality organic potting soil.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Bay is a half-hardy shrub or small tree that can tolerate winter temperatures no lower than -7C (20F). In cold climates, bay is best grown in a container that can be kept indoors in winter.

Feeding

Fertilise bay grown in containers with an organic water soluble fertiliser every three weeks from spring to late summer. Feeding is not generally needed for plants grown outdoors as herb garden specimen plants or hedges.

Companions

Use an attractively potted bay plant as a movable accent in your summer herb garden. In mild winter climates, use bay as a landscape shrub or small tree.

Spacing

Single Plants: 45cm (1' 5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start with a purchased plant, because bay stem cuttings are very difficult to root. Spring and early summer are the best times to adopt a new bay plant. Outdoors, allow 2m (6ft) between plants being grown as a hedge. When grown in containers, gradually shift plants to a container at least 30cm (12") in diameter. A mature plant, grown in a sunken container, will occupy a space 45cm (18") square.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

When growing bay as a potted plant, allow the soil to become dry as autumn approaches. Through winter, allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Harvesting

Stem or leaves as desired from early summer to autumn. In midsummer, gather perfect small branches and dry them in small bunches. Stored dried leaves in airtight containers.

Troubleshooting

Repot containers every other spring, gradually moving to slightly larger pots. Outdoors, prune as needed if plants outgrow their space.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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