Bay Laurel, Laurus Seed

Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Seed

Classic culinary bay on an evergreen shrub
Earthy leaves deepen soups, stews, and sauces
Container culture keeps this large plant manageable
Dried leaves store exceptionally well

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Laurus nobilis

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

10 Seeds

Zones 8–10 Check your growing zone

About Laurus nobilis, Bay Laurel Seed, Bay Laurel Seed

Bay Laurel is one of our favorite indoor herb trees. Attractive ornamental shrub is well adapted to serve as a houseplant, as well as outdoors. Use the bay leaves to add earthy flavor to stews, soups and sauces.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

30–90 days

Germination Type

L - Sow Fresh or Keep Moist

In-row plant spacing

6-10'

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Tender Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 8-10

Plant Height

Above 96 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Bay laurel seed loses viability quickly and germinates slowly. Soak fresh seed for 24 hours, remove any fleshy coating, and use a sterile, free-draining mix in a warm, bright location.

Planting

Remove bay laurel seed pulp if present and soak seed in warm water for 24 hours. Sow about 1/2 inch deep in a moist, free-draining mix at 70–75°F. Germination is slow and erratic, often taking one to several months. Pot seedlings individually and protect them from cold until well established.

Watering

Maintain gentle, even moisture during the long germination period. Once established, water thoroughly and let the upper mix dry slightly; irrigate container laurels less in cool winter conditions.

Fertilizer

Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer as spring growth begins, or feed potted plants lightly through summer. Stop by early autumn so new shoots mature before cool weather.

Harvesting

Clip mature bay leaves once they are leathery, deep green, and aromatic, favoring older growth over soft shoot tips. Take modest amounts year-round from container plants or harvest before winter protection. Dry leaves in a shaded, airy place and store them whole to retain flavor.

Tips

Expect uneven germination over several months and discard rotting seed promptly. Prune established plants after the spring flush, shelter containers from hard freezes, and repot only one size larger.

Pests & Diseases

Bay laurel can suffer Phytophthora or other root rots, anthracnose, leaf spots, and sooty mold associated with scale insects. Watch for persistent wilting, blackened roots, expanding leaf lesions, or dark surface growth. Use freely draining soil, avoid oversized wet containers, improve airflow, remove infected leaves, and control sap-feeding insects.

Bay sucker nymphs curl leaf margins, scale forms immobile bumps on stems, and spider mites stipple foliage in dry conditions. Inspect distorted new leaves and woody branches closely. Prune localized infestations, wipe off scale, increase humidity around indoor plants, and repeat labeled oil treatments when necessary.