Forest and Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 us
herb
Bay laurel
Overview
An aromatic evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean that has symbolized victory, wisdom, and honor since ancient Greece. Bay laurel leaves are one of the most widely used culinary herbs worldwide, lending their warm, herbal complexity to slow-cooked dishes. In mild climates it grows into a handsome tree; elsewhere it thrives in containers brought indoors for winter.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, moderately fertile soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Grow in container; bring indoors for winter; hardy only to ~10°F |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Pick mature leaves anytime; older leaves have stronger flavor than young |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Container culture recommended; move to sheltered spot or indoors in winter |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Oct | Harvest leaves year-round if overwintered indoors |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; sheltered south-facing wall ideal; slow-growing evergreen |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest evergreen leaves anytime; dry for 2 weeks for best flavor |
| Moderate (5-7) | Prune | Mar — Apr | Prune to shape in spring; responds well to hard pruning; topiary candidate |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in ground; grows into large shrub or small tree over time |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round; one tree supplies a household indefinitely |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in ground; thrives in Mediterranean climate; provide afternoon shade in desert |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round; classic culinary herb |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential in bouquet garni for soups, stews, and braises
- Infused into custards, rice puddings, and béchamel
- Dried leaves stored whole retain flavor for years
Medicinal
- Traditional digestive aid and carminative
- Essential oil used in aromatherapy for stress relief
- Anti-inflammatory compounds support joint health
Other Uses
- Ornamental topiary and container specimen
- Leaves placed in pantry to repel grain moths and weevils
