Bay tree / Bay laurel

Plant family

Laurel family (Lauraceae)

Also known as

Sweet Bay, True Laurel, Grecian Laurel

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

50 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Laurel is part of the laurel family (Lauraceae). Laurel grows conical and can reach 10 m wide and 12 m high. Belongs to the preparation of sauerkraut and red cabbage. In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths were popular and a sign of prestige. Good for seasoning when cooking or drying and as a medicinal, but can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Dioecious plant. The white flowers can be seen on the laurel between March and May. The fruits are monocarpic and shiny blue-black.

Growing tips

Laurel needs a lot of heat and is sensitive to cold, so in our country is recommended to cultivate in a pot, because in the open field in winter is often too cold. Propagation by seed or cuttings not quite uncomplicated and seeds are only available in the female plants of laurel. For cuttings, cut 20 cm long shoots in August or September. Shape cut the laurel in March. Harvest the leaves in autumn or spring and not in summer, when the laurel grows strongly.