BAY TREE PLANT

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Bay Tree, 1 year old healthy bay tree. our Herbs are Naturally grown using no pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Best known as a seasoning, bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree that is native to the Mediterranean area. Although bay can grow into a tall tree, it is often kept smaller by pruning or by confining it in a container. Because bay is a very slow grower, it can be grown as an ornamental and it is even more suited to growing in a pot. It has attractive foliage and can easily be pruned and sheared into topiary shapes. In the spring, sweet bay has small yellow flowers which develop into purple berries in the fall.
Growing bay is easy and hardy outside at zone 8 and above, but also can be container grown, If you grow the plant indoors, it will need bright light and the occasion misting to keep the humidity level as the plant likes it.

Trees grown outside don’t generally need much in the way of fertilizer but container plants will benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion in the spring and summer.
First year of Growing bay can be slow but given good care and room to grow it really take off the second. Kind of creeper, Leeper concept. Bay will go through Growing stages and then rest. Pruning is optional but do it at the rest stage. Harvest leaves year around as long as they are dark green.

Botanical Name Laurus nobilis
Common Name Bay Tree, Bay Laurel, Laurel Tree, Sweet Bay, True Laurel, Laurel
Plant Type Evergreen shrub
Mature Size Un-pruned, up to 60 feet tall
Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type Well-draining; not too particular about the type
Soil pH 4.5 to 8.3
Bloom Time Late spring to early summer
Flower Color Pale yellow
Hardiness Zones 8 to 10
Native Area Mediterranean

How to Grow Bay Laurel
Bay laurels are versatile plants that can thrive indoors and out. They make attractive houseplants but they will benefit from some summer sun. The leaves will produce the best flavor if the plant is given full sun for a portion of the year.

Bay laurel is used in stews, soups, tomato sauces, on fish and pretty much anywhere you want a subtle, earthy flavor. Bay is also a traditional component of the French bouquet garnish herbs. The dark green leaves are very fragrant, especially when dried. As a seasoning, dried leaves are broken or crumbled into cooking foods and allowed to permeate the dish. The leaves don’t soften much in cooking and are removed before eating. The leaves are also used to make wreaths and garlands.


Light
If you grow your bay tree indoors, keep it near a sunny window for the winter. Avoid exposure to both drafts and heat from appliances. Outdoor plants require full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot, dry summers, some afternoon shade is ideal.


Soil
This tree is not too particular about soil. Well-draining soil is important; plant your bay tree at the same depth as it was planted in its original pot.

Water
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. Water it regularly but always allow the soil to dry out between watering, so the roots don’t rot. Although your bay tree will probably go dormant and drop a few leaves, you do not want its soil to sit dry for extended periods.

Temperature and Humidity
Bay is only hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10. In cooler areas, bring it indoors for the winter. 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.

Fertilizer
Since bay is slow growing, it doesn’t require a great deal of food. Plants in containers need some supplemental fertilizer. Feed container grown bay in the spring and maybe again mid-summer, with a balanced organic fertilizer like 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.

Potting and Re potting
Bay makes a popular container plant that can live for decades. To keep its size in check, use a small container. Just make sure it has a broad enough base to keep the tree from toppling over in the wind. A 24-inch pot should be fine for a 4- to 6-foot tree. Bay seems to grow best when a little cramped in its pot, even to the point of roots starting to poke out the bottom. You shouldn’t need to re-pot more than once every five years.