Bay laurel care guide
Laurus nobilis
Also known as: Sweet bay, Laurel, Bay leaf
Pets and children
Caution advised
The leaves and their essential oils are reported to cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats, and a tough leaf can lodge in the throat or gut; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Bay laurel
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Fairly drought-tolerant: water thoroughly a day or two after the topsoil dries, as a guide; in the ground, rain mostly suffices once established.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 5 days
- The soil dries more slowly, so wait a few days after it dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Keep it dryish in winter, watering on a mild morning a few days after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for Bay laurel
Generally likes sun and moving air, with a sunny outdoor spot as the guide; it tolerates part shade, but in still air scale insects move in.
Overwintering Bay laurel
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Fairly hardy: on the plains from Kanto westward it generally overwinters outdoors as a guide; freezing wind scorches the leaves, so keep a pot out of the north wind and water sparingly.
Fertilizing and repotting Bay laurel
Fertilizer
A small dose of slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall is the guide; it needs little feeding, and none in midsummer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Bay laurel
- Scale insects make the leaves sticky and sooty mold turns them black.
- It outgrows its pot and the leaves yellow from root binding.
- Winter wind browns and scorches the leaves.
Tips for growing Bay laurel
- Prune from spring to early summer, removing crowded branches for airflow.
- Dried leaves have a mellower aroma that is easier to cook with.
- Scrub off scale insects with an old toothbrush as soon as you spot them.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
