Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is the evergreen Mediterranean herb tree that supplies culinary bay leaves. (Laurus nobilis)
Shop this plant: Bay Leaf Tree – 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential.
- Watering: Water regularly while establishing; established plants are fairly drought tolerant.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. South Florida's sandy and limestone soils work well if water never stands; plant on a slight mound in low areas and mix in compost at planting.
Watering
Water regularly while establishing; established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Do not overwater.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Young trees: a balanced fertilizer with minor elements (such as 6-6-6 or 8-3-9) every 6-8 weeks from March through September, starting small and increasing as the tree grows. Mature trees: 2-3 applications a year (spring, early summer, late summer). Skip fertilizer from November through February. On alkaline South Florida soil, add chelated iron and manganese if new leaves are pale with green veins.
Pruning
Prune lightly after harvest to shape the tree, remove dead and crossing branches, and keep it at a pickable height.
Cold Protection
Very cold hardy, to about 15-20°F.
Container vs. In-Ground
One of the best kitchen herbs for a 10-20 gallon container; keep pruned as a shrub.
Spacing
Plant 6-10 ft apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Leaves can be harvested year-round once the plant is established.
Harvest
Pick mature leaves any time; dry them in the shade for a week for stronger flavor.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Scale and mealybugs
How to identify: Small bumps or white cottony clusters on stems and leaf undersides, often with sticky honeydew and black sooty mold.
Organic-first treatment: Prune heavily infested twigs, spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and control the ants that farm them.
Bay sucker (psyllid)
How to identify: Curled, thickened leaf edges with white fluff.
Organic-first treatment: Remove affected leaves and spray insecticidal soap.
Root rot
How to identify: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, dark mushy roots.
Organic-first treatment: Prevention is the cure: plant high in fast-draining soil, never let water stand, and cut back watering in cool months.
Spider mites
How to identify: Fine stippling and bronzing on leaves, tiny webbing in dry weather.
Organic-first treatment: Hose leaf undersides regularly; spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
FAQ
Can I use fresh bay leaves? Yes, they are milder than dried.
Does it need full sun? It does well in sun to part shade; afternoon shade helps in South Florida summers.
Related Reading
- Best Fruit Trees for Small Miami Yards and Condos
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes (and How to Protect Tender Ones)
Ready to grow your own? Get the Bay Leaf here.
