How can i grow bay leaves




















If grow the plant to provide leaves for cooking, they produce the best flavor if the plant is given full sun for at least a portion of the year.

This tree is not too particular about soil type, but it must be well-draining. It will do equally well in acidic and alkaline soils. Container plants can be grown in an ordinary commercial potting mix. Plant your bay tree at the same depth as it was planted in its original pot. Bay roots are very shallow, and frequent watering may be necessary during dry spells. Use caution when weeding or cultivating around the base of the tree. Although your bay tree will probably just go dormant and drop a few leaves, you do not want its soil to remain dry for extended periods.

Bay is only hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 through In cooler areas, bring it indoors for the winter and give it relatively cool conditions. However, you may have trouble keeping your indoor bay tree from drying out in the low humidity of your home. When it signals trouble by dropping a few leaves, use the leaves in cooking and begin misting the tree regularly with water. Plants in containers need some supplemental fertilizer. Feed a container-grown bay plant in the spring and again in mid-summer, using a balanced organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion and kelp.

It also helps to refresh the top couple of inches of soil each spring, being careful not to hurt the shallow roots. There are other plants that go by the common names of bay and sweet bay, but these are not necessarily edible.

There are also a few ornamental cultivars of Laurus nobilis that may not have quite the same taste as the pure species plant.

Bay makes a popular container plant that can live for decades. To keep its size in check, use a relatively small container. Just make sure it has a broad enough base to prevent the tree from toppling over in the wind.

A inch pot should be fine for a 4- to 6-foot tree. Grow the plant in an ordinary commercial potting mix. Bay seems to grow best when it's a little cramped in its pot, even to the point of roots starting to poke out the bottom. If left unpruned, bay trees can grow 60 feet tall. Container-grown trees and trees that are regularly pruned will not get anywhere near that tall. To keep your potted bay tree portable, keep it pruned to a manageable size and desirable shape.

Pruning is usually done in the spring, as new growth is just beginning. You can prune as much or as little as you like to keep the tree small or to create a topiary artwork. There is little technique involved in pruning a bay laurel, as the plant will sprout new dense growth from wherever you snip off the branches.

When we were in Italy, I saw bay trees over feet tall. Practically speaking, though, bay trees are grown either as a topiary or a large shrub. No worries here. If your climate is agreeable, ordinary garden soil with good drainage will provide a happy home for your bay leaf tree year-round. Since I live in southwestern Ohio in Zone 6, I grow my bay trees in containers, and treat them as tender perennials, bringing them indoors when the temperature dips consistently to below 15 degrees.

I like half potting soil and half cactus soil, which allows for good drainage. Let the soil dry out between waterings. When the bay outgrows its current pot, go to the next size up. Fertilize both in the ground and potted bays in spring and summer. That depends on you. Those leaves can be dried for culinary and household use. Around the end of September, put it in a shady place outdoors.

By the end of October or November, depending upon the weather, give it one last good watering and take it inside to go dormant. Bay does well in a southern exposure with good air circulation. I keep mine in the lower level of the house, which stays about 50 degrees. No need to fertilize during winter indoors. Water infrequently. As spring approaches, again acclimate the tree to going outside.

Put it in a shady, protected place and gradually put the plant in a permanent outdoor location. Discoloured, distorted foliage could be caused by bay leaf suckers. The young, winged, sap-feeding insects attack young bay foliage.

Minor attacks can be tackled by promptly removing all affected leaves. Browse the fantastic range of fully mature hardy perennials, shrubs, ferns, grasses and bulbs to create a spectacular garden to enjoy all year round. Use code: GW Kick start the festive season and get in touch with your creative side with our minute online class on creating Christmas wreaths with natural materials.

The perfect seasonal addition to your garden, these low-maintenance expertly trained evergreen trees can be enjoyed for years to come. Home How to Grow plants How to grow bay Laurus nobilis. How to grow bay — Laurus nobilis growing in a pot. How to grow bay — planting bay Laurus nobilis in a container.

How to grow bay — pruning bay. How to grow bay — planting a semi-ripe bay cutting. Advice on buying bay Large bay plants are an investment — especially those that are clipped or shaped. They are slow growing, so buy as large a plant as you can afford A cheaper and slower option is to buy small plants that you can eventually clip into shape yourself Check that the plant has healthy, dark green, shiny leaves and no signs of pests or diseases You can find bay at most garden centres, usually with other topiary plants.

How to grow bay — clipped standard bay trees. Subscribe now. Buy now for spring flowers. Hurry - limited time only. Ends in: 10h 47m 28s. Christmas Wreath-Making.



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