{"id":1054,"date":"2023-05-17T03:32:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T10:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1054"},"modified":"2023-06-27T12:11:52","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T19:11:52","slug":"how-to-grow-bay-leaves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Bay Leaves &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Bay-Leaves.png\" alt=\"bay leaves plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nBay leaves, which are known botanically as Laurus nobilis, are a type of tree that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing bay leaves as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Bay_Leaves\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Bay Leaves\">Best Time to Plant Bay Leaves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#How_to_Plant_Bay_Leaves_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Bay Leaves the Right Way\">How to Plant Bay Leaves the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Bay_Leaves\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Bay Leaves\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Bay Leaves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#How_Much_to_Water_Bay_Leaves\" title=\"How Much to Water Bay Leaves\">How Much to Water Bay Leaves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Bay_Leaves_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Bay Leaves to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Bay Leaves to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#When_to_Harvest_Bay_Leaves\" title=\"When to Harvest Bay Leaves\">When to Harvest Bay Leaves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#What_Can_Bay_Leaves_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Bay Leaves Be Used For?\">What Can Bay Leaves Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#Can_Bay_Leaves_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Bay Leaves Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Bay Leaves Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-bay-leaves\/#Are_Bay_Leaves_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Bay Leaves Safe for Bees?\">Are Bay Leaves Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Bay_Leaves\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Bay Leaves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the bay leaf seeds outdoors in spring or early summer, or in a container anytime. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when bay leaves are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Bay_Leaves_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Bay Leaves the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing bay leaves in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your bay leaves grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained and fertile, with added organic matter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.5.<\/p>\n<p>1\/4&#8243; deep, 2-3 seeds per pot, thin to 1 seedling per pot. 2-3&#8242; apart for multiple plants. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 12-24&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your bay leaf seedlings n\/a<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Bay_Leaves\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Bay Leaves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your bay leaves. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your bay leaves should be getting full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Bay_Leaves\"><\/span>How Much to Water Bay Leaves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your bay leaves do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your bay leaves begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Bay_Leaves_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Bay Leaves to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your bay leaves grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately n\/a to germinate, and a total of n\/a (harvest leaves as needed) from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Bay_Leaves\"><\/span>When to Harvest Bay Leaves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your bay leaves is when leaves are large enough to use, mature leaves have a stronger flavor.<\/p>\n<p>Bay leaves can grow up to about 10-60&#8242; tall, depending on location and container size.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Bay_Leaves_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Bay Leaves Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for seasoning soups, stews, and sauces.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> warm, earthy, and slightly bitter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Bay_Leaves_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Bay Leaves Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can plant 1 plant per 18-24&#8243; container. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your bay leaves around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Bay_Leaves_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Bay Leaves Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, bay leaves are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing bay leaves is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bay leaves, which are known botanically as Laurus nobilis, are a type of tree that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing bay leaves as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Bay Leaves This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the bay leaf seeds outdoors in spring or early summer, or in a container anytime. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when bay leaves are most likely <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,233,232],"tags":[222,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1054"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1054"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1188,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1054\/revisions\/1188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}