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Bay Laurel

Bay Laurel

Bay Leaf, Sweet Bay, True Laurel, Bay Tree

Slow-growing evergreen tree/shrub, hardy in zones 8–10. In colder zones, grow in a large pot and bring indoors when frost threatens. Leaves can be harvested year-round once established. Fresh leaves are more bitter than dried — dry for 2 weeks before cooking. Clip to maintain shape and size. Very long-lived; can become a substantial tree in warm climates.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low water

Temperature

-5–35 °C

Frost tolerance

Frost-hardy — tolerates frost

Days to maturity

365–730 days

Ideal soil pH

5.5–6.5

Companion plants
RosemarySageThyme
Watch for pests
Scale InsectAphidsBay Sucker
Disease risk
Root RotLeaf SpotSooty Mold

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