How to care for bay laurel
How to care for bay laurel
Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong
Bay laurel, scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region. At our company, bay laurel is prized for its aromatic leaves and versatility in the garden or in a pot. It’s a plant that brings a touch of elegance and tradition.
The right spot
Bay laurel prefers a spot in full sun or partial shade. It’s important to choose a location where it can get plenty of light, as this encourages lush, healthy growth.
When and how to water it
During summer, we recommend watering bay laurel every 7 days, while in winter, every 14 days is sufficient. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly and let the top 2-3 cm dry out before watering again.
Temperature and humidity
Bay laurel does well in temperatures between 5°C and 25°C, but can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C and as high as 35°C. It prefers moderate humidity, between 40% and 60%.
The right fertilizer
During spring and summer, we recommend using a balanced liquid fertilizer every 60 days. This will help the plant maintain healthy green foliage.
The pot and soil
Bay laurel thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. A potting mix with sand and loam is ideal for ensuring good drainage and nourishment. Remember to repot the plant when its roots begin to fill the pot.
How to propagate it
Bay laurel can be propagated through cuttings or seeds. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer yield the best results. Propagation requires a little patience, but it is a rewarding process.
Our final tip
Bay laurel is a plant that not only enriches your green space with its beauty, but also offers aromatic leaves that are useful in cooking. Care for it with love and attention, and it will reward you with its elegant, fragrant presence.
— Giulia's Gardens
Verified care information
This information comes directly from the validated botanical record used to generate the guide.
- Light
- Medium to high · Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Watering
- 7 days in summer · 14 days in winter · Water thoroughly and allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings. · Check the top 2-3 cm of soil; it should be dry before watering again.
- Temperature
- 5 °C ideal minimum · 25 °C ideal maximum · -5 °C minimum tolerated · 35 °C maximum tolerated
- Humidity
- Moderate · 40% minimum · 60% maximum
- Fertilizing
- Balanced liquid fertilizer · Spring and summer · 60 days
- Propagation
- Cuttings, Seeds · Moderate · Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer root best.